Offaly hurlers may have to find a new goalkeeper, as netminder Brian Mullins is still contemplating his future.
With the NHL just three weeks away, the Birr clubman has not yet returned to county training and manager Joe Dooley is still awaiting his decision.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Dooley said: 'I spoke to Brian a few weeks ago and he was still undecided. We'd love to have him back and remain hopeful, but he is taking some time out to ponder his future and I understand that completely. I am not putting any pressure on him.'
James Dempsey, last year's U-21 goalie, was between the posts when the midlanders knocked Kilkenny out of the Walsh Cup last weekend. A week earlier Eoin Kelly (Lusmagh) was in goal for Offaly's season opener.
Brendan Murphy will definitely miss next weekend's Walsh Cup semi-final clash with Galway as he is sidelined with a hamstring problem that could keep him out of the early rounds of the League.
Offaly will have a considerable influx of college talent back in their ranks next weekend, with Brian Carroll, Shane Dooley, Michael Verney and Dylan Hayden in the frame again following the University of Limerick's elimination from the Waterford Crystal. However, full-back David Kenny is 'club-tied', having played in the Walsh Cup for UCD.
