Dublin defender Chris Crummey is set for up to a 14-week injury layoff after undergoing shoulder surgery.
2018 and 2019 captain Crummey was injured in Dublin's League defeat to Wexford, and played no part in Mattie Kenny's side's closing defeat to Clare last weekend.
Dublin take on Kilkenny at Parnell Park in their first Leinster SHC group game on May 10, leaving the Lucan Sarsfields clubman with a race against time to be fit for the start of the Championship.
The 26-year-old could also miss Dublin's second game against Wexford while on the mend, depending on how well he recovers.
"It's a bit of a blow to us at the moment," Kenny said after the Clare defeat.
"But we'll work with him and make sure we'll get on top of his rehab, and get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
In more positive news for Kenny, talisman Liam Rushe is edging closer to full fitness after playing five minutes off the bench in Ennis over the weekend.
Meanwhile veteran Conal Keaney is close to a return after having a metal plate removed from his shoulder.
