By Seamus Hayes

Initial fears that Clare hurler Aaron Cunningham would be out of the game for a long spell due to the injury suffered in last Wednesday’s Munster under 21 first round win over Limerick have eased.

“Following a scan on Thursday, the injury isn’t as bad as we thought. We are awaiting further checks on his further knee”, senior hurling selector Louis Mulqueen said this weekend.

“Aaron situation is a knee problem. Unfortunately with Aaron, he’s been injured a lot and rehab is the thing. It takes a bit of time. His shoulder was out at different times throughout the year. He was starting to come good and his form was coming. At the moment we’re still waiting for further checks on the scan but yesterday’s scan wasn’t as bad as we thought. He’s still away with a swollen knee”, Cunningham said.

Meanwhile All-Ireland hero Shane O’Donnell is continuing to receive treatment for a hamstring injury. “Shane had a six-week programme and I think the club championships came at that time. He wanted to play with the club, which was important, but after a few minutes it went again. It needs time again. You’d say two to three weeks but it’s a risk. If we could get over our game on Sunday, you’d be hoping to look at him further”, Mulqueen said before confirming “everyone else is okay at the moment”