Kilkenny midfielder Brian McEvoy has been unable to train with the county since sustaining a collar-bone injury during the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Galway two weeks ago.
The current All Star was in Dublin yesterday seeking further physiotherapy for the ailment which has left him in constant pain.
"We are just keeping an open mind on the situation," said manager Brian Cody earlier this week.
"It's particularly unfortunate for Brian because he really has had a wonderful few years of hurling and it would be terrible if he were forced to miss out on this year's final."
Cody and the player himself are confident he can shake off the strain ahead of the showdown with Offaly on Sunday week. McEvoy dislocated the collar bone in a first-half collision against Galway. He played on for the remainder of the half and performed well in the second half after receiving a painkilling injection at the break.
However, the discomfort increased later that evening and McEvoy has since been prevented from participation even in light running. The James Stephens clubman had a marvellous season last year at half forward, blemished only by a luckless All-Ireland final which saw him hit a number of scoring opportunities wide. However, his overall consistency earned him an All Star and this year, he has moulded an impressive midfield alliance with Andy Comerford.
He is Kilkenny's only serious worry. D J Carey is nursing a hand injury but according to Brian Cody, it is not a real concern. Carey's forward stablemate Charlie Carter has also been unable to train of late, having picked up a severe flu. Carter, however, expects to be back in full training early next week.
Kerry will announce their team for Sunday's eagerly awaited All-Ireland semi-final replay against Armagh after training tonight. A degree of intrigue hangs over whether the selectors will opt to start Maurice Fitzgerald.
Reports are surfacing that the forward has been stricken with a fresh injury and he did train with the squad on Monday evening.
The languid Cahirciveen forward made a stunning impact in the drawn game, kicking a sensational goal and nonchalantly converting an equalising free at the death, underlining his stature as one of the games pre-eminent talents. However, the Kerry forwards that started the drawn match have sizzled throughout the league and the Munster championship in Fitzgerald's absence. The management may decide to show faith in that evolving group, again springing Fitzgerald at the crucial point. There is also a slight worry about Noel Kenneally, however, who picked up a back strain in a club game last week.
A similar selection dilemma faces the Armagh management tomorrow evening regarding Diarmuid Marsden, also ready to reclaim a starting place after a summer on the injury list. Meanwhile, the Dublin County Board are expected to decide upon the management team for the senior football squad early next week. Tom Carr, whose term ended with the Leinster final defeat to Kildare, is away at the moment and the board will resume discussions upon his return.
