Injury blow as Mayo captain is ruled out for six weeks

AS Mayo senior team were making their final preparations for their Saturday night's All-Ireland qualifier against Armagh in Elverys MacHale Park last night, team captain Diarmuid O'Connor suffered a major injury – a broken wrist, which is going to keep him sidelined for up to six weeks.

This is a major blow for Mayo as O'Connor's absence follows hot on the heels of midfielder Matthew Ruane shoulder injury which will also keep him sidelined for the next five weeks.

Both O'Connor and Ruane were very influential in Mayo's recent national league success.

Manager James Horan will now have and plan for their Armagh encounter on Saturday night and if Mayo progress to make the Super 8s both players will also be absent from Mayo's three group games.

The earliest both O'Connor and Ruane could hope to return is an All-Ireland semi-final if Mayo make it that far.

Without these two players it is going to be extra difficult to make the last four in the championship.

Meanwhile, Donal Vaughan, Seamus O'Shea, James Carr and Ger Cafferkey all participated fully in last night's session following recent injuries and all are in contention for selection this weekend.

This confirms that Cillian O'Connor is not yet ready for his return to action.