Damien Comer admits he is unlikely to return to full fitness ahead of Galway's Connacht SFC final against Roscommon at Pearse Stadium on Sunday, June 16.
The Galway sharpshooter suffered an ankle fracture playing in a charity five a side on St Stephen's Day and, following a delay before undergoing surgery, he is still playing catch-up.
Speaking at today's Supervalu launch of their 10th year as sponsor of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship, Comer explained that he is realistically looking at involvement beyond the provincial decider.
"It's getting there," he said. "It's taking a bit of time but back doing a small bit of running now.
"I'm playing a waiting game now. I don't know myself how far away I am."
But he admits it's unlikely he will be involved as Galway look to retain their provincial title against Mayo's conquerors last weekend.
"It probably is at this stage," Comer said. "I'd love to make it back if it turns around in the next couple of weeks, maybe. But at the moment I doubt it. I need to give it time.
"I'm going through the pain threshold, I'm not giving myself time.
"If I can through it and there is no pain then I know I'll be ready to go. At the moment I'm working with the physios and they'll guide me as to how much I will do.
"I think the Connacht final might come a bit soon but I'd be hoping to be back for whatever comes after that."
Part of Comer's frustration comes from taking seven weeks at the start to allow bruising to heal.
He only underwent surgery in early March.
"The first scan didn't show up any fracture but I knew myself that there was something not right," he recalled.
"It was the worst pain I ever had and I have twisted my ankle a few times.
"A grade one ligament came back first, then I was in a boot for a week or two.
"Then trying to get back on it, there was a bit of bony bruising and it wasn't getting better.
"A re-scan showed a fracture.
"It could be your body saying you need a breakthrough. I've been lucky with injuries but this is the worst one I've had.
"It's a matter of getting over it. It's a bit frustrating, especially this time of year.
"It's hard enough during the league but when you see championship being played you just want to be part of it.
"I have to bide my time and respect my body".
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