The reason for the omission of James McCarthy from the Dublin line-up for last weekends Leinster Final was the topical question on everyone’s lips.
When asked about it in his post match interview Jim Gavin explained it was a minor contact injury and McCarthy would be available for the next game. A big sigh of relief from sky blue supporters and everyone else was satisfied with the Dublin managers response.
That was until the following day when it was reported that McCarthy’s injury was more serious and a scan revealed he had damaged medial ligaments in his knee and would miss the upcoming All Ireland quarter final and if Dublin progressed the Ballymun Kickhams star would be touch and go for the semi’s.
Bad news indeed, but at least everyone now knew the full extent of the injury, well maybe not, because at the announcement that Life Style Sports are Dublin Gaa’s new retail partner, Paddy Andrews told the Independent that McCarthy’s injury was just a bit of a bang and he expected him to be fully fit in a couple of weeks.
“James is a real quality player – the form he has been in throughout this season especially, and even last season. He is a real leader and is a key player for us,” said Andrews.
“It’s great that his injury is only a bit of a bang and hopefully he will be back to full fitness in a couple of weeks.
“It wasn’t as bad as was initially feared, which was great because, having lost Jack (McCaffrey) and Rory (O’Carroll) you don’t want to lose anybody else.
So the confusion over the extent of McCarthy’s injury may rumble on till the All Ireland quarter final on the 6th of August, leaving supporters and Dublin’s opposition on the day, in the dark till the throw-in.
