With just hours remaining before the throw-in for the SHC All-Ireland hurling final, an injury doubt has emerged from the Kilkenny camp.
Reports suggest that starting goalkeeper Eoin Murphy may have turned on his ankle in training during the week but reports over the incident are conflicting. Some Kilkenny sources suggest that Murphy is a serious doubt for selection today, while others say that a decision over his fitness will be made at the last minute.
This fresh injury concern compounds Kilkenny's already difficult build-up to today's game following the loss of midfielder Michael Fennelly to a long-term injury.
But the reigning All-Ireland champions have a penchant for recovering from losses in personnel. Despite significant retirements in the panel ahead of last year's campaign, including former All-Star JJ Delaney, Kilkenny's reinforcements held firm to retain the Liam MacCarthy cup with ease against Galway in 2015.
Today's meeting marks a repeat of the epic two-game decider in 2014 and a win for Kilkenny this afternoon, will bring the overall tally of All-Ireland titles to 12 in 18 years seasons under Brian Cody's watch.
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