AS THEIR PRO12 semi-final against Scarlets on Friday draws closer, Leinster have injury concerns over Sean Cronin and, to a lesser extent, Robbie Henshaw and Sean O’Brien.
O’Brien will return to full training this week after reporting a tight hamstring. The province’s medical team say he “will be assessed as the week progresses”, with the same being said for Henshaw (rib) and Cronin (neck).
“It’s not severe,” senior coach Stuart Lancaster said of the hooker’s injury, “but it has kept him out of training for the last few days.
“He’s a doubt for the weekend because it’s a Friday night game and it’s Monday now. He’s going to need to be training today and Wednesday to really push for selection. So he’s less likely.”
O’Brien meanwhile has not lined out for his province since the Champions Cup quarter-final win over Wasps at the Aviva Stadium on 1 April, but Lancaster was hopeful that he would be fit to help Leinster force their back to that ground for the Pro12 final.
“Sean O’Brien and Robbie will train today. It will be a case of making that decision after today’s training. We’ve tomorrow off and then back training on Wednesday. We’ll need to nail it down by close of play today.”
“Robbie took a full part on Thursday and Friday last week, he didn’t take any contact with the rib injury. He’s a pretty tough guy and we’re optimistic on him.”
There are no new updates on the out-of-action Jame Heaslip, Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Jordi Murphy and Ed Byrne. The departing Dominic Ryan underwent surgery on his bicep last week and so will not be fit for the Pro12 knock-out stages.
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