The forward will miss the All-Ireland champions' entire National League campaign.
Kerry's James O'Donoghue has been ruled out for the next six months after undergoing surgery on his shoulder.
The footballer of the year won his second All Star in a row after leading Kerry to their 37th All-Ireland title.
O'Donoghue had hoped to avoid surgery on the injury but it is hoped that he will be back for the Kingdom's first Munster Championship match in June against either Waterford or Tipperary.
