Kilkenny will have to do without Richie Hogan for Saturday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Dublin at O'Moore Park.

Hogan has been ruled out of the Cats' provincial title defence opener after breaking a bone in his hand while playing for his club Danesfort last month.

It was reported today that the 2014 Hurler of the Year could play some part in the Portlaoise clash but he misses out completely as does injured captain Shane Prendergast.

There is good news for the All-Ireland champions however, as Eoin Larkin returns at number 15 for his first competitive appearance of 2016 after a tour of duty in Syria.

Brian Cody's charges welcome back Conor Fogarty from a long-lay off with injury at midfield, while the Fennelly brothers, Michael and Colin also start and form the spine of the attack.

Kilkenny (SHC v Dublin): Eoin Murphy; Paul Murphy, Joey Holden, Jackie Tyrrell; Padraig Walsh, Kieran Joyce, Cillian Buckley; Conor Fogarty, Lester Ryan; Walter Walsh, Michael Fennelly, TJ Reid; Jonjo Farrell, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Larkin.

Subs: Richie Reid, Robert Lennon, Diarmuid Cody, Conor O'Shea, Conor Martin, Kevin Kelly, John Power, Mark Bergin, Liam Blanchfield, Chris Bolger, Michael Malone.

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