Stuttering Kilkenny have been boosted by the return to action of county talisman DJ Carey.
Carey was in New York last weekend with the Liam McCarthy Cup but will be back for the NHL clash with Clare on Sunday, a repeat of the 2002 All-Ireland final.
Meanwhile, Brian Quinn (finger), James O'Connor (ankle) and Brian Lohan (hamstring) are all serious doubts for Clare chief Anthony Daly.