THREE Dublin footballers are struggling with ankle injuries picked up during Sunday's NFL victory over Mayo, raising questions over the safety of the pitch in Castlebar.

Paul Conlon, Eamonn Fennell and Conal Keaney all suffered ankle injuries in Dublin's 1-9 to 1-8 win, played out on a patchy and uneven surface at McHale Park, leaving the trio in a race against time to be fit for Saturday night's visit of Monaghan to Parnell Park (7.30).

Conlon was replaced by Kevin Nolan just before half-time while Darren Magee came on for Fennell after 50 minutes.

Keaney, who only came on as a sub at the same time with 20 minutes, is believed to be the most serious doubt for Saturday's clash with the Farney County.

The Ballyboden man was featuring for the Dubs for the first time this season after initially a hamstring injury and then a quad strain ruled him out of contention. However, he returned with a bang last Sunday afternoon when kicking a point and setting up another 1-1 in a man of the match display.

The pitch had already come under the microscope during the post-match press briefing after Mayo boss John O'Mahony hinted that the playing surface had played a part in the broken elbow suffered by Peadar Gardiner, which is likely to keep him out for roughly three months.

Ronan McGarrity also picked up a hamstring injury and was replaced in the 21st minute.

Ross O'Carroll will be back in contention for a first appearance for the Dublin footballers against Monaghan as he completes his recovery from a quad strain while Paul Griffin - a late withdrawal against Mayo - will have his back injury assessed this week.

Eoghan O'Gara will resume full training this week after a groin strain ruled him out of contention for Mayo, though there are still major doubts over Bryan Cullen's fitness after picking up a back injury in the Sigerson Cup final.

Alan Brogan (scaphoid), Barry Cahill (abductor), Mark Davoren (cruciate), Tomás Quinn (metatarsal), Denis Bastick (ankle), Darren Daly (ankle) all remain on the injured list and will not be considered for Monaghan on Saturday.

Manager Pat Gilroy must also decide whether to play any of his under-21 contingent and run the risk of them getting injured ahead of their Leinster semi-final date with Carlow or Kilkenny tomorrow week.

Dean Rock, James McCarthy, Rory O'Carroll, Seán Murray and Darragh Nelson all missed out on the trip to Castlebar as a result of their involvement in Dublin's U21 championship opener the previous day in Louth, although Nelson will be suspended for the Patrick's Day semi-final date after picking up a straight red card against the Wee County.

- Conor McKeon