Dublin midfielder James McCarthy has suffered knee damage, but it is reportedly not serious enough to rule him out of the Championship completely.

The three-time All-Star limped from the Croke Park pitch on Sunday during the facile Leinster Final win over Meath. The Ballymun Kickhams man left the ground on crutches, with an ice-pack strapped to his right knee. That led to much speculation about the seriousness of the damage incurred to the midfielder's knee. James McCarthy suffered the injury late in the first half of the game. He was replaced after 32 minutes by Michael Darragh MacAuley.

Positive

The Dublin management is yet to officially comment on the seriousness of McCarthy's injury. However, the Herald and Independent report today that the player underwent a scan yesterday and the immediate prognosis is positive, with no long term damage done.

The three-time All-Star is set to miss the opening game of the Super-8's series, but is expected to return before the end of the Championship.

Return

In the opening round of the Super-8's Dublin will play either Cork or whoever beats them from the third round qualifiers. Those games are set to be played on the second weekend in July with the dates and times yet to be confirmed. Roscommon will be up against the reigning All-Ireland champion the following week.

It is unlikely McCarthy will be fit to line out for those fixtures, but the midfielder will be keen to add to his impressive trophy haul. The Ballymun Kickhams man has six Celtic Crosses in his bedside locker already, alongside nine Leinster Championship medals.

McCarthy will be a big loss for the Dubs who are also without Johnny Cooper, but the positive prognosis today is a boost for Jim Gavin.