James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick has emerged as a major doubt for Kilkenny's opening defence of their Leinster and All-Ireland hurling titles against Galway on Saturday week. Last year's All-Ireland winning captain picked up a hand injury in training last weekend, and x-rays have revealed he suffered a broken bone in the back of his hand. However, Kilkenny remain hopeful that he will be fit, despite the odds being stacked against him. If Fitzpatrick is ruled out, Cats manager Brian Cody will have to come up with a new midfield partnership as Derek Lyng is also set to miss out with a calf muscle problem. Cody is also planning without centre back Brian Hogan, who broke his collarbone during the NHL final against Tipperary on May 3 last. Tweet

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