All-Ireland champions Kilkenny could be without centre back Eamon Kennedy for the start of the Leinster championship. Kennedy's left leg is in plaster and he will be sidelined for up to 10 weeks.

Kennedy injured his leg during the National League clash against Waterford on February 18th. However, a series of tests failed to pinpoint the problem and it was only after an MRI scan that the full extent of the problem was diagnosed.

There was severe bruising near the bone of the leg and there was a lot of bleeding into the knee joint. He will be in plaster for at least a month, and it could be 10 weeks before he is able to resume training.

"I thought the leg was broken when I received the knock," the player said.

Kilkenny open the championship against Offaly on June 10th in what will be a repeat of last year's All-Ireland final.

"This is an unfortunate setback for Eamon, but if anyone can get over this sort of injury he is the one I would back," was the response of Kilkenny manager Brian Cody to the injury.