Waterford are expected to be without forward stars Austin Gleeson and Pauric Mahony for their opening Munster SHC game against Clare on Sunday.
Derek McGrath's side face a tough test in Ennis against a Banner side beaten by Cork first day out and that job has been made harder by the absence of 2016 Hurler of the Year Gleeson and All-Star nominee Mahony.
Mount Sion man Gleeson has failed to shake off ankle and back concerns while free-taker Mahony has a finger injury.
Last year's beaten finalists will play all four games away from home this summer, two at neutral venues, as Walsh Park was not considered suitable to host Championship games.
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