Injury doubts over a number of players for Cork's match against Westmeath says manager John Cleary

Cork manager John Cleary says a number of players are doubtful ahead of this weekend’s crucial game.

The Rebels host Westmeath in the Allianz Division 2 football league at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday with throw-in at 5pm. Having beaten Meath first day out down the Páirc, the Leesiders lost to Down by a point in Páirc Esler last Sunday week.

Midfielder Ian Maguire and forward Brian Hurley didn't feature in the first two league games due to injury, while versatile player Seán Powter, who was playing well against Down, went off injured before half-time. Conor Corbett, Luke Fahy, Kevin O’Donovan, Seán Meehan and Dano Dineen remain the long-term absentees.

For the first time in this campaign, Ruairí Deane is set to be available for selection at the weekend, who will add experience. Conor Cahalane switched from the Cork hurlers to the Cork footballers last week and he could feature on Saturday.

Cleary, speaking to The Echo on Tuesday afternoon, gave an update on the latest with injuries.

“We won’t really know until later on in the week with how we are fixed,” the Cork boss said.

“Ian Maguire and Brian Hurley have been back doing a bit of training, but we just need to see how they get through the next few sessions before we make a call on them. We aren’t 100 percent sure to be honest with regards to those players until later in the week.

“We had a training session last Sunday and both trained, but we are giving them every opportunity before we make a decision. It's 50/50. Seán Powter went off with a hamstring injury against Down so he’s doubtful to be fair. Everyone else should be available apart from the five players with long-term injuries and the players that are doubtful, who we are waiting on.

“The one thing you can’t do an awful lot about is the injury situation. There are a few counties in the same boat. It’s a case of trying to manage it the best you possibly can.

“Naturally enough when you lose the experience of the likes of Ian Maguire, Brian Hurley and Ruairí Deane, who all have loads and loads of experience, it goes without saying that there’s a hole then in the squad.

“Those lads are all nearly right and just hopefully the sooner they are back, they will give that experience to us again. We can’t do anything about it though, we just have to drive on. Hopefully they will be able to give us something this weekend, if not, we will just have to go with what we have.” 

- Read John Cleary’s in-depth interview with The Echo ahead of Saturday’s game against Westmeath in Friday’s paper.