Kerry injury complications mounting ahead of opening Munster SFC defence

Key figures such as Shane Ryan, Joe O'Connor, Gavin White, Sean O'Shea and Paudie Clifford struggling to be ready for Saturday's trip to Clare

DOUBTS: Kerry are dealing with injury problems, including for key men Joe O'Connor and Seán O'Shea, heading into the Munster SFC semi-final against Clare. Pics: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

ALL-Ireland champions Kerry are 1/40-on to secure safe passage through Saturday’s Munster SFC semi-final against Clare in Ennis, but preparation has not been without its frustrations and complications.

The Kingdom’s overseas training camp in the Algarve delivered the training and bonding results these costly trips demand but the benefits were compromised by some injury issues.

Midfielder Joe O’Connor didn’t do field activity at Quinta do Lago as he continues to manage a plantar fasciitis (foot) issue. He did some gym work but wore a protective boot during camp and won’t be ready in time for Ennis on Saturday. Complicating matters was a serious hamstring injury to Glenbeigh midfielder Liam Smith which could rule him out for Championship. 

Dingle’s Barry Dan O’Sullivan has been out for a year with a knee ligament tear but he has been drafted back into the panel as midfield cover, with Diarmuid O’Connor also back, but very short of game preparation.

That would normally mean Kerry are down to the starting duo in  last year’s All-Ireland final, Mark O’Shea and Sean O’Brien but the latter is also struggling to return from an injury sustained in the Armagh League game, and didn't feature in a challenge game Kerry played last week against Down.

One of the Kingdom’s key lieutenants Sean O’Shea is also a big doubt for the game in Clare after suffering an ankle injury in camp. Brian O’Beaglaoich continues to be frustrated by a calf problem and is also unlikely to figure this weekend.

The situation around goalkeeper Shane Ryan continues to be a problem. The Rathmore All Star has a persistent quad muscle issue which is slow and demands careful tending given the keeper’s kicking role, and he is not ready to resume action having missed the entire League campaign. Dr Crokes defender Evan Looney is also struggling and is struggling to be ready for this weekend. Paudie Clifford and Gavin White are both close to a full return though they may not be risked for Saturday. All in all, it could mean Kerry are down eight of the players involved in last July's thumping All-Ireland final win over Donegal.

However, it’s not like Kerry are down to the bare bones either even if their starting options are compromised. They brought through a handful of promising options in the League such as Armin Heinrich, Keith Evans and Cillian Trant to bolster options.

With O'Connor and O'Shea likely to be absent from the half forward line, Kerry management may utilise Dylan Geaney at an 11 and go with either Trant or Micheal Burns in O'Connor's stead.