An appendix operation has cast further doubts over DJ Carey's participation in this summer's championship. The Kilkenny forward underwent the operation on Tuesday morning and will remain sidelined from training for at least four weeks.

He had yet to return to training with the panel ahead of the championship after a neck injury.

The first indication of the latest problem was on Monday night with Carey feeling pain in the area while at home in Gowran. He travelled to St Luke's Hospital and was diagnosed with an inflamed appendix.

Manager Brian Cody had already accepted that he would be without Carey's service ahead of their opening game against Offaly on June 9th, the Leinster semi-final. It now appears doubtful that he will be even near full fitness for the Leinster final on July 7th, should Kilkenny progress.

On top of that, Carey had suffered a hamstring injury recently.