Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody will be without Richie Power for his side's clash with Offaly in Portlaoise on Sunday.
Power had been a doubt after picking up a hamstring injury while training with the Cats last week and Eoin Larkin is expected to replace him up front.
There's better news for Cody elsewhere as Eoin McCormack and Michael Rice are both expected to recover from injury to be included in the squad for the Offaly encounter.
Larkin has shaken off a leg injury and McCormack a shoulder injury and both look set to be named on the replacements bench.
Kilkenny beat Offaly by a massive 31 points two seasons ago, but Cody believes it will be a much closer affair this time around.
'Offaly will be hungry and they've had a good game and a strong performance against Laois already. They scored 1-26 and looked very impressive. Offaly have been building and have put together a very skilful team, a very strong team,' he said.
Offaly make one change for Sunday's Championship semi final against Kilkenny.
David Franks, who came on as a second half substitute against Laois, retains his position at left corner-back at the expense of Brendan O'Meara.
