Dublin hurler Paul Schutte could be ruled out for the season after sustaining a knee injury while playing for the county in a challenge match against Limerick.
The Cuala clubman had to be stretchered from the field in Cappamore on Sunday last, with fears that he may have suffered cruciate damage.
A scan is expected to reveal the extent of the injury. Dublin begin their championship campaign against either Laois or Carlow in Tullamore on Saturday, 2 June.
Schutte had featured regularly throughout the league campaign for Anthony Daly's side, and was in contention for a starting berth for the summer campaign.
Indeed, it is the case of the cruciate curse hitting Dublin hurling again, as Conal Keaney, Stephen Hiney and Tomas Brady were all ruled out with knee injuries last year.
The trio, however, are back playing again and are set to feature for the Metropolitans in the upcoming championship.
