Brady says it is a major blow, especially coming just after the high of winning the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 title.

"Obviously it was a great victory over Kilkenny in the league final, but since then it has been complete frustration for me," he said, lining out at today's All-Ireland Championship launch in Dunloy.

"I sustained an injury in training over the weekend and it looks like I will miss the first Championship match, but you have to accept that these things happen in hurling.

"I just have to keep my head down now and hopefully get back to full fitness."

Dublin's injury problems are mounting, particularly in defence with Joey Boland and Stephen Hiney also struggling with injuries.

Brady says that the current injury situation will certainly test the resolve of the Dublin panel in the Championship.

"We have a few injury concerns but we have to look at that as an opportunity for other lads to stake a claim in the starting fifteen.

"We have one challenge match (against Tipperary) left which will be a chance for lads to prove themselves.

"It will be a test for the strength of our squad, and we feel that we have the squad to handle it.

"We are missing some key defenders and there might be one or two other knocks from the league final but hopefully we can get that sorted.

"The Offaly game will be a huge test of our panel, but we feel that the additions that have come on board this year have really strengthened things."