Wexford’s Liam Ryan. Photo: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Wexford appear set to be without inspirational defender Liam Ryan for Saturday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Clare at Semple Stadium.
Ryan picked up a hamstring injury in recent weeks, which saw him miss last Saturday’s preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Laois, with this weekend also coming too soon.
The Rapparees clubman missed all of the league after a long spell on the sidelines and his return against Galway last month signalled a significant improvement in Keith Rossiter’s side as they turned around their provincial campaign in superb style.
His sterling displays in defence helped them secure qualification from the Leinster SHC in third place and his absence will be sorely felt as the Model men bid to cause a minor shock and take down Brian Lohan’s Banner side.
Captain Lee Chin was removed before the hour mark last weekend and had ice strapped to his calf in the minutes that followed, but Rossiter allayed any injury fears.
“It was just a precautionary thing, he got a slap on the calf, nothing major,” Rossiter told the Wexford People. “When people see ice going on an injury now, they panic straight away. It’s only something small and Lee is in good form.”