Inevitably in the lead up to the first round of the Championship injuries have been picked up by players as they count down to the big day. And as is often the case it is in places where cover is already stretched that the greatest calamities occur.

With Barry Owens as a long term injury Fermanagh were already without their most inspirational defender and with the Teemore man not expected to be available for at least the immediate future it was Shane Lyons who had filled in his position admirably.

But now it has emerged that Lyons is the biggest doubt for this Sunday's encounter.

A suspected fractured cheekbone looks to have ruled the Belleek man out of the equation.

Shane McDermott, who has also featured in full back in the recent times has also been struggling with injury over the past while but it is expected that he will be fully fit to take part if required on Sunday.

Also expected to be recovered from recent knocks are Mark Murphy and Martin McGrath. Murphy and McGrath are expected to rotate between full forward and midfield so it is good news for Fermanagh fans that both will be fully fit for Sunday's game.

Back to the full back position it appears that Owens' clubmate, Hugh Brady will fill in in that position.