Kerry's preparations to defend their All Ireland title took a knock with the news news that star forward Colm 'Gooch' Cooper will need surgery on the eye injury he suffered in the NFL Division 1 game against Monaghan on Sunday.

The Kingdom's talisman shipped a blow to his right eye six minutes into the game, and will go under the knife Tuesday.

The Dr. Crokes star has a torn duct in his right eye, and he could miss Kerry's opening championship game against Tipperary on May 23.