DONEGAL will be without Odhrán Mac Niallais for Sunday’s Ulster SFC preliminary round game against Down.
Mac Niallais was withdrawn after 28 minutes of the Division 1 semi-final against Dublin.
Donegal manager Declan Bonner has confirmed that the Gaoth Dobhair man will sit out Sunday’s game..
“Odhran won’t be part of it for the weekend,” Bonner said.
“He picked up a soft tissue injury against Dublin in the first half. He’ll not be in contention.”
Bonner is ‘very hopeful’ that Donegal captain Michael Murphy will be able to take his place in the starting XV this weekend.
Murphy limped out of last month’s League defeat by Monaghan, but has been back in training in recent weeks. The Glenswilly was described by Bonner as being ‘not far away’
Patrick McBrearty appeared to pull up near the end of the game against Dublin, but the Kilcar man – who posted 26 points during the League – will play.
Bonner said: “He’s okay. He’s been back training with no issue. He’s finished the last four sessions that we have had.”
Jamie Brennan, Paul Brennan and Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí have all returned to training, but the game will also come too soon for Andrew McClean who is ‘a couple of weeks away’.
There are no qualifiers in this year’s Championship so Sunday’s clash is win or bust.
Bonner said: “It’s sink or swim at this stage. It’s a matter of getting over the line and getting the victory. That’s what it’s all about.
“It’s back to the old days of knockout football. It’s the same for everyone.
“It’s a big test, going to Newry to play Down, but we’re looking forward to it. It’s all positive.”
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