Kilkenny have two players struggling to regain fitness for next Sunday's All-Ireland hurling semi-final against Clare. Centre back Eamon Kennedy and corner back Tom Hickey are both struggling with ankle injuries. Kennedy, an ever-present in the team since taking over at centre back at the beginning of the National League, is the most serious doubt and his chances of being fit are slim. "Things are not looking good, but I won't give up hope until shortly before the game," the 26-year-old said yesterday. "This is the first injury I've had in my career and if at all possible it won't rob me of the opportunity of playing in an All-Ireland semi-final". Kennedy was unable to participate in any training session at the weekend.

Hickey injured an ankle during the Leinster final victory over Offaly. The injury was slow to heal and he only resumed training last week.