Dublin defender Chris Crummey is set for up to a 14 week injury layoff after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Crummey was injured in Dublin's League defeat to Wexford, and played no part in Mattie Kenny's side's closing defeat to Clare.
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, depending on his recovery.
"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."
