Anthony Buckley, will undergo an exploratory operation at the end of July, in a bid to cure a longstanding ankle problem.
Buckley was dogged with the injury for much of last season, but he played on through the pain. The midfielder took part in Cork City's short Intertoto Cup campaign, against Liepajas Metalurgs, but he aggravated the problem.
"It looks like he won't be available for the first few games of the season," said Murphy.
"His ankle keeps breaking down and he's been playing through the pain. There has been some wear and tear on his ankle joint and it's a bit weak at the moment."
