Damien Cahalane set for return to training ahead of Offaly clash, says Cork boss Pat Ryan 

The Barrs defender missed the Rebels' final round-robin game against Tipperary last month.

BRIGHT FUTURE: Damien Cahalane of Cork arrives ahead of a Munster championship clash.  Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Damien Cahalane returns to full training this week as Cork manager Pat Ryan reports close to a clean bill of health for Saturday’s All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final against Offaly.

St Finbarrs defender Cahalane missed the county’s final round-robin game against Tipperary last month with a calf issue but is unlikely to be in the frame for a place in the squad heading to Tullamore.

After a hamstring issue kept him out of the dramatic win over Limerick, Ciarán Joyce returned to the Cork panel for that emphatic victory over Tipp in Thurles three weeks ago but did not see any game-time.

However, Ryan confirmed the centre-back has been playing a full part in training since then. “We’re very good,” said Ryan. “Damien Cahalane was out with a calf injury but he should be back to full contact training this week but whether he will be ready for Offaly would be doubtful enough.”

Robbie O'Flynn is available having been sidelined since the provincial SHC defeat to Clare with a hamstring difficulty.

Extended panel members Eoin Carey and Cathal McCarthy require operations and won’t figure for the remainder of the championship.

A win for Cork in Glenisk O’Connor Park will see them through to an All-Ireland quarter-final against Leinster runners-up Dublin on Saturday week. The game forms part of a double-header in Tullamore with John Cleary’s footballers’ final round Sam Maguire Cup game with Tyrone. Both matches will be streamed on GAAGO.