Waterford will be down up to seven starters for Sunday’s Allianz Hurling League tie with Kilkenny at UPMC Nowlan Park.
It’s effectively a winner-takes-all clash with Kilkenny currently occupying the second semi-final spot in Division One Group B, with holders Waterford just a point behind them.
Tipperary, with four wins from as many outings, sit on top of the group and are already assured of a place in the last four regardless of how they fare against Antrim on Sunday.
Waterford’s defeat to Tipp last Saturday has proven to be an expensive one as Conor Prunty and Austin Gleeson were both replaced due to hamstring injuries while Shane McNulty limped off late on having broken a bone in his foot.
Midfielder Jamie Barron received a straight red card on the night which means that he is suspended for Sunday’s game, while manager Davy Fitzgerald was already without Conor Gleeson, Mikey Kiely and Darragh Lyons and won’t be able to call on them this weekend either.
The priority is to restore as many of them to full fitness as possible ahead of the Munster Championship opener against Limerick in Thurles on April 23 though Fitzgerald, when speaking after the Tipp game, insisted that he’ll be selecting the strongest team available for Sunday.
He said: “If we win it we’re in a semi-final so I’ll be trying to win it. The team I have out on the field will be the strongest team.
“Anyone that’s not injured that can play from my first team will be going out. Stephen [Bennett] will start again next week, he was only going to play 55 tonight.
“[Colin] Dunford was only meant to play 55-60 and they probably went over their limit because they hadn’t much time.
“I was delighted with Tadhg [de Burca]. That’s Tadhg’s first game I’d say since probably last August/September.
“That’s his first game and for him to actually read the game the way he did, I’m extremely proud of him because to come back in after months out, that takes a lot and fair play to him.”
READ NEXT:
Leaving Cert student John Gleeson rides Cheltenham Festival winner for JP McManus
Cheltenham Festival 2023: Leading trainer standings ahead of day three
Cheltenham Festival 2023 Wednesday results in full: Every winner including Champion Chase
Classy Energumene defends Queen Mother Champion Chase in style
