All-Star Mark McHugh is a major doubt for the start of Donegal’s National League campaign with a pelvis injury.

McHugh (22) has not taken part in any field sessions since Jim McGuinness’s side claimed the county’s second All-Ireland title in September because of osteitis pubis, an inflammation of the pelvis experienced by many elite sportsmen.

McHugh remained on the sidelines for his college side IT Sligo’s entire FBD Connacht League campaign, but said that he still retains hope of featuring for the champions in the coming weeks.

“I am not 100 per cent sure yet, but I am giving myself every chance. I have to just listen to what my doctors and physios say,” said McHugh yesterday.