Ger Loughnane expects Galway to struggle in the absence of their injured talisman Joe Canning.

The Portumna sharpshooter is facing up to 16 weeks out of action after it was confirmed he will require surgery on the groin injury he sustained against Waterford eight days ago.

"Without Joe Canning, I think they'll really struggle to get out of Leinster," Loughnane predicted in the Irish Daily Star.

"Remember, they have to go to Nowlan Park. they have to go to Parnell Park too and Dublin are very competitive on their home turf. Both Wexford and Dublin will now - rightly - think that they have a great chance of finishing above Galway.

"It's a terrible blow to Joe Canning and I feel very sorry for him. It's a mammoth blow to Galway, but it's also a huge blow to the hurling championship. Canning is easily one of the top players in the game. He's also, by far, the most recognisible face in hurling.

"Canning has become so important to Galway that I doubt they can cope with his loss." 

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