Michael Fennelly could sit out the 2012 Leinster SHC with a fractured ankle.

A scan last night confirmed the extent of the injury sustained by the current Hurler of the Year during Sunday's league final defeat of Cork.

The magisterial midfielder went over awkwardly in the second half and has fractured his right ankle, which means he is unlikely to play any part in the Cats' championship opener against Dublin, Laois or Carlow on June 23rd and has to also be a major doubt for the provincial final if they get there.

While Kilkenny haven't given up hope on the Ballyhale man making a speedy recovery (with secretary Ned Quinn saying they had to "wait to see but at the moment he would have to be doubtful for the first game"), time is certainly against the inspirational former All-Ireland winning captain.

Fennelly joins Henry Shefflin, Richie Power, Michael Rice, Aidan Fogarty and Noel Hickey in the treatment room.

But the injury also highlights the absence of James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick from the Black & Amber panel. With Fennelly out, Fitzpatrick would almost certainly have come into the starting team were he still available. Tweet

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