Advertisement
Madigan kicked nine points from the tee on Saturday before he came off injured at half-time. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Injury Watch

'Fairly positive' news for Leinster and Ian Madigan ahead of Quins trip

The Pool 2 table-toppers meet in the first part of their European double-header this weekend.

LEINSTER ARE HOPEFUL that Ian Madigan will be fit for their top-of-the-table European clash with Harlequins.

Madigan rolled his ankle in the win over the Ospreys but following a medical assessment on Monday morning, he is in line to feature at the Stoop on Sunday.

“His diagnosis is fairly positive,” coach Marco Caputo said. ”We are hopeful of having him available for the weekend.

“The first signs coming out of the medics’ meeting this morning was that he should be ok to play.”

Rob Kearney was due to train this afternoon as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury picked up during Ireland’s November Tests while hooker Richardt Strauss and lock Tom Denton are also carrying muscle problems.

Kane Douglas is going through the return to play protocols for concussion while Mike McCarthy (concussion) and Luke Fitzgerald (groin) are also expected to be available after sitting out Saturday’s Pro12 win.

Caputo said: “We’ve got a half a dozen guys who are touch and go and we are hopeful they will all come up Thursday/Friday, get the green light, and be available.”

Both Quins and Leinster opened their Champions Cup campaign with two wins from two, with the Premiership side topping Pool 2 by virtue of their better points difference.

Leinster took just five points from their December double-header against Northampton last season, losing the home game in Dublin, and ultimately missed out on a home quarter-final as a result.

“We are all aware that the next two weeks are hugely important to how successful our European campaign is going to be,” Caputo said.

“We are lucky to be in the position that we are in. As far as being able to control our destiny, obviously, we are coming up against a Harlequins side who have had mixed results as far as wins and losses and not being able to string consecutive wins together.

“I’m pretty sure that they are going to come out and they’re going to be hungry, and they are going to do all the right things in front of their own crowd.

“It’s definitely going to be a hard game for us. Having said that, we are going to prepare to win the game as well. The two weeks coming up are hugely important for us.”

Start your week by watching all 17 tries from last weekend’s Pro12 action

Donncha O’Callaghan cited for alleged ‘kick to the head’ against Ulster

Your Voice
Readers Comments
16
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.