LEINSTER BACK ROW Shane Jennings will miss several weeks of RaboDirect Pro12 action after fracturing a bone in his right hand during last weekend’s 12-6 loss to the Glasgow Warriors.
The 32-year-old was in visible pain when he was withdrawn just before half time, and Leinster have confirmed that Jennings will definitely miss Saturday’s visit of the Cardiff Blues.
In better news for Matt O’Connor, Jamie Heaslip and Brian O’Driscoll will be involved against the Blues, joining fellow Lions tourists Cian Healy and Rob Kearney, who made their first appearances of the season in Glasgow.
A further positive for Leinster is that Lote Tuqiri has recovered quicker than predicted from the hamstring strain he sustained in the first half of the defeat to the Warriors. The Wallaby winger is expected to be available for selection this weekend.
Luke Fitzgerald and Quinn Roux are making good recoveries as they rehabilitate their respective injuries, although the former won’t be in the squad this weekend according to head coach O’Connor.
Luke probably won’t be involved again this week, it’s just dragging on a little bit. It’s not a significant issue. We’re just trying to get to the bottom of it so he’s 100% right, so he can do himself justice.”
Darragh Fanning is back in the frame after withdrawing last weekend. Sean O’Brien is getting close to full fitness and is expected back on the pitch in the coming weeks.
