ROBBIE HENSHAW’S RETURN to action has been delayed after a scan on his hand showed the bone fracture has yet to fully heal.
The 22-year-old sustained the metacarpal fracture in the final stages of Connacht’s memorable Pro12 victory over Munster in November.
He was originally ruled out for six weeks and underwent surgery to repair the damage but he will now sit out for at least another fortnight.
The Ireland international was due to feature in Connacht’s European fixture against Brive this week as he worked his way back ahead of the Six Nations campaign.
However, he has been advised by the surgeon to delay his return after a CT scan showed the injury had not healed.
The setback is fresh concern for Joe Schmidt ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations defence but Pat Lam maintained the centre will be ready for the campaign opener against Wales on 7 February.
Lam must continue to plan without a host of players for the Challenge Cup trip to Brive with the province’s injury crisis showing no sign of easing.
Second-row Andrew Browne will be sidelined for over a month after he suffered an A/C fracture in the defeat to Scarlets last weekend while Kieran Marmion and Craig Ronaldson are doubts for the game in France.
There is a positive update on Denis Buckley, Eoin McKeon and Darragh Leader who are all in contention for the penultimate European pool game.
Connacht are top of Pool 1 after four games and victory on Saturday would put them in a strong position ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Kick-off at the Stade Amedee-Damenech on Saturday is 7.45pm Irish time.
