Waterford manager Paraic Fanning will have to plan without a number of key players for the start of the NHL.

Obviously the new Deise boss will be without the Ballygunner contingent as they prepare for an All-Ireland club SHC semi-final against Ballyhale Shamrocks next month.

However, he will also have to plan without the likes of Patrick Curran, Conor Gleeson and Darragh Fives for the early rounds of the league.

Curran broke his hand in a challenge game before Christmas and is not expected to return until next month at the earliest, while Gleeson underwent surgery on a shoulder injury that has troubled him for some time and his return date is unclear.

Fives has struggled with injury over the past 12 months, but is working his way back to full fitness, however, the start of the league may come too soon for him.

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