Tony Kelly in race for fitness ahead of Munster championship

Clare are hoping to have Tony Kelly back fit for championship after the star attacker underwent ankle surgery just before Christmas.

2023 All-Star John Conlon reported back for training on Friday but Clare manager Brian Lohan appears resigned to being without Kelly for the upcoming league campaign.

He faces a rehabilitation period ahead of Clare's 2024 Munster championship campaign, which begins at home to All-Ireland champions Limerick on 21 April.

"Tony had his operation just before Christmas," said Lohan, in the aftermath of Clare's Munster Hurling League loss to Cork this afternoon.

"So he's with the physio and we're hoping that he'll be right but these operations, there's a lot of work to be done with the physios and the consultant and that. We're hoping that he'll be back for Championship.

"There was a window there to get the surgery. It's not ideal obviously but it is what it is."

Meanwhile, it's feared Cork attacker Declan Dalton has suffered a broken bone in his foot during their three-point victory at Páirc Uí Rinn.

The Fr O'Neills forward had just recovered from the same injury, albeit in his other foot, to return to action over Christmas.

He was introduced as a half-time substitute during the 1-24 to 0-24 win but limped off seven minutes later.

Dalton became a regular starter for Cork last year, playing in all four of their Munster Championship games and scoring 2-9.

"I’d say it is a metatarsal injury," said manager Pat Ryan. "It’s disappointing.

"Deccie had a metatarsal at the end of the year from the club as well on the opposite foot.

"He’s obviously a big, strong man so it’s disappointing. We’ll get that assessed tomorrow."

On the positive side, Ryan reported that Mark Coleman, Tim O’Mahony, and Alan Connolly are all