Kilkenny have suffered a huge blow ahead of their 2016 Allianz League and championship campaigns, with confirmation this morning that All Star forward has suffered a cruciate knee injury.

Aylward, who enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough year with the Cats in 2015, suffered the injury while playing for his club, Glenmore, in the AIB All-Ireland Junior semi-final against Dungourney (Cork) last Sunday.

The 23-year-old was forced off with the injury just 20 minutes into the game, and a scan on Monday confirmed he has suffered a cruciate knee injury.

Aylward will miss the All-Ireland Junior final against Derry side Eoghan Rua at Croke Park on February 7, while a spokesperson for Kilkenny County Board told GAA.ie on Tuesday morning that he is unlikely to play any further part for Kilkenny this year.

The news comes as another significant blow for the Cats following the retirement of two-time All Star Richie Power last week.

Aylward scored 3-16 and assisted for 1-8 from a combined 62 plays in four championship games last summer, securing a place at corner forward on the 2015 All Star team.