Mixed news on injury front for senior hurlers

There is mixed news from the Dublin senior hurling camp as they continue their preparation for this Saturday's Leinster SHC clash with Kilkenny in Nowlan Park (7.0).

Mark Schutte continues his return towards full fitness while Conal Keaney, who lined out for Ballyboden St Enda's in the recent Dublin SHC 'A', and Liam Rushe have returned to full fitness.

However, Fionntan MacGibb, Cian O'Callaghan, and John Hetherton have been ruled out.

"Back training now is Conal Keaney, the Mark Schuttes, the Liam Rushes, they’re only back training now. We’re days out from the game now, so we’re trying to see what level we can get them to,” said manager Mattie Kenny.

MacGibb has an ankle injury while O'Callaghan is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

“He (Cian) got a bad hamstring injury against Galway.He's back running, doing light running, but these first early games are coming too soon for him,” added Mattie.

Rushe's championship preparation has been affected by a hand injury but he should be good to go for the upcoming games.

"This hand injury is a concern to him and to us. But Liam is a hardened campaigner. I’m sure we’ll do whatever we can to make sure that he’s available for us.”

Donal Burke is doing exams and is not expected to feature.

“Donal is doing his final exams at the moment, so he’s caught up in exams.

"And he indicated at the start of the year that, after his final exams, he may look at going travelling. At the moment he’s concentrating on finishing his final exams, these couple of weeks,” stated Mattie.

The Dublin minor hurlers and footballers are also in action this week in their respective Leinster Championships - the minor hurlers face Wexford on Saturday in Bellefield, Enniscorthy (2.0) while the minor footballers also face Wexford, this Wednesday night in Bellefield, Enniscorthy (7.0).

2019 LEINSTER SHC