Kilkenny's Eoin Murphy to miss entire Leinster Hurling Championship

Eoin Murphy's absence is a major blow to Kilkenny ahead of Dublin's visit to Nowlan Park

Kilkenny's injury crisis has worsened with the news that All-Star goalkeeper Eoin Murphy will miss the entire Leinster Championship.

The Glenmore man fractured a bone in his knee while in action for his club, and Brian Cody confirmed that he will be out for seven to eight weeks.

He joins a growing injury list, with Cillian Buckley, James Maher, Conor Delaney and Rob Lennon all ruled out of Kilkenny's opener at home to Dublin, a game which will be shown live on Sky Sports.

2014 Hurler of the Year Richie Hogan is also a doubt.

"Richie Hogan has been struggling with an injury all along," explained Cody. "He is in training now.

"He's had very interrupted preparation. He's a fella who looks after himself well, in very good shape, between gym and on the pitch. It's hard to say with Richie. Obviously, it has been very interrupted for him, even last year as well."

Brian Cody's side are heavily depleted

Meanwhile, reigning Leinster champions Galway also have their fitness frustrations, with Joe Canning ruled out.

"I'm not going to be naive to say a player of his calibre wouldn't be a loss to any team," said Tribesmen boss Micheál Donoghue of the loss of the Portumna star. "Right now his job is to work on his rehab, it is up to the rest of us to focus on our job.

"We have spoken about being stronger on the collective more than any individual, that is something that has stuck with this group over the last number of years. We have focused on training and our preparation for the last number of weeks, it has gone pretty well for us. We are looking forward to kicking off on Sunday week."

However there is better news as Galway welcome back Joseph Cooney and Johnny Glynn, who spent the winter in Australia and New York respectively.

"[Cooney] is getting there," continued Donoghue. "It is great to have him back, he is an integral part of the group, a huge member of our team, highly respected within the group, so we are delighted he is back with us.

"[Glynn] is back now from Wednesday, he will be here for the duration of the summer."

Sky Sports' live GAA coverage gets underway on Saturday, May 11 as Dublin face Kilkenny in the Leinster Hurling Championship opener. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsGAA and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/gaa