All-Ireland champions Kilkenny look set to be without key defenders Noel Hickey and John Tennyson for Sunday week's Leinster SHC final against Wexford at Croke Park. Full back Hickey, who missed the semi-final win over Offaly due to a long-standing groin problem, was unable to line out for his club Dunnamaggin last weekend because of the injury and hopes are fading that he will be in a position to feature against the Slaneysiders. Tennyson who, like Henry Shefflin underwent a cruciate ligament operation last autumn, was forced to retire during Carrickshock's championship outing after his knee gave way early in the second half. The injury is a big setback to the talented centre back who had been making excellent progress in training with the Kilkenny squad. And in a further blow to Kilkenny manager Brian Cody, attacker Richie Power is also a major doubt for the Wexford match after he too was forced to retire in Carrickshock's game after aggravating a hamstring injury. On the plus side, midfielder Derek Lyng is expected to make his first competitive appearance of the year after making a full recovery from an ankle operation. Tweet

Most Read Stories