‘Down to the wire’ for Cronin to make semi-final

The availability of Cork captain Patrick Cronin for next month’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final will "go right down to the wire," selector Johnny Crowley has revealed.

Cronin fractured his fibula during Sunday’s Munster final, remaining on the field after picking up the injury, and while yesterday’s scan results showed no tendon damage to the right leg, Crowley admitted the Cork forward is now a major doubt for the All-Ireland semi-final on August 17.

Cronin has been placed in a medical boot for the next three weeks and will have less than two weeks to regain full fitness for the county’s semi-final encounter.

“It is not as bad as initially feared,” said Crowley.

“He is in a boot at present. According to Dr Con Murphy, he will be in that boot for a minimum of two to three weeks, so his availability for the semi-final will be down to the wire.

“It all depends on what shape he comes out of the boot in. We won’t know Patrick’s position injury-wise until he comes out of the boot. Hopefully he comes out of it in good condition and the fracture has healed sufficiently. Then he will have a week to 10 days to get some hurling into him before we make a call for the semi-final.

“You can’t rule anything in or out presently.”

Crowley spoke with the Cork captain following his diagnosis and revealed the Bishopstown hurler is optimistic of a swift return to action.

“He was in good form. He knew he was in trouble. Pa has been around long enough to know the score. He looks after himself well and will give himself every chance to be ready for the semi-final.

“We will also do everything in our power to have him ready. He is the captain and you want him there.”

Added Crowley: “It will be next week before we resume training. There is club action this weekend and so a lot of the players are club-tied.

“The U21 match against Waterford this evening is our next focus and we will be going down to watch that and the seniors involved.

“We will resume training next Tuesday. You only have four weeks then to prepare and the semi-final won’t be long coming around.”