Kildare's chances in the Leinster SFC received a massive blow at the weekend when veteran centre back Glenn Ryan sustained a depressed fracture of the sternum in a senior football challenge against Galway, played at Ballinasloe on Saturday.
The former All Star was just returning to active duty after picking up a hamstring injury in a club game about three weeks ago. This latest injury is expected to keep the Round Towers clubman out of action for at least six weeks.
As if to compound team manager John Crofton's problems Ryan's likely replacement against Offaly, Damien Hendy, fractured his wrist in the same game, which Galway won by 2-14 to 0-15.
Kildare veteran Ryan out with injury
