WATERFORD’S INJURY NIGHTMARE has worsened with defensive pair Tadhg de Búrca and Barry Coughlan facing ‘a number of months’ on the sidelines while Darragh Fives is likely to miss the rest of the Munster championship.
Derek McGrath saw his team hit by a string of injuries in their opening day defeat to Clare in Ennis last Sunday with four players forced to withdraw.
It’s been confirmed this morning by Waterford GAA that de Búrca broke his collar bone and Coughlan suffered three broken bones in his hand. They will be out of action for several months while Fives is set to be absent due to a calf injury for their next three Munster outings between now and 17 June.
Noel Connors left the pitch at Cusack Park with a back injury and will be assessed as the week progresses before next Sunday’s game against Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds while Maurice Shanahan is another concern with a groin injury.
Austin Gleeson (back and ankle) and Pauric Mahony (finger) were sidelined for the clash with the Banner due to injury and remain doubtful.
Waterford have also confirmed that Kevin Moran will not be requesting a hearing on his proposed one-match suspension and he will have to watch on against Tipperary after being sent-off in the second half of the Clare clash.
Between injuries, suspension and the unavailability of the Bennett brothers – Kieran and Shane – this summer, Waterford could be without nine players from last year’s team that started the All-Ireland final for next Sunday’s tie.
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