SIMON ZEBO TOOK part in Munster’s squad session at UL this afternoon, easing concerns that he’s an injury doubt for Saturday’s Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers.
Zebo had shaken off a knee problem to start Munster’s Pro14 victory over Ospreys on Saturday evening but was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution after sustaining a blow to his ribs.
But the fullback, who leaves the province at the end of the season to join a French club, is expected to be available for selection for the Pool 4 clash at Thomond Park on Saturday after training today.
Johann van Graan will be hoping Zebo shakes off the problem in time for Friday’s team selection given the new Munster head coach is already without Chris Farrell and Keith Earls for the rest of the calendar year.
There is still no update on the fitness of Tyler Bleyendaal who has been sidelined with a neck issue since the round one draw with Castres on 15 October.
Ian Keatley returns from international duty and is expected to start at out-half, while Conor Murray, CJ Stander, Peter O’Mahony and Andrew Conway also back.
Jack O’Donoghue, who hurt his shoulder in Cork on Saturday, will be managed by the medical team as the week progresses, but his potential unavailability is offset by the return to fitness of Tommy O’Donnell.
There was, however, unfortunate news on academy prop Liam O’Connor who looks set for an extended period on the sidelines with a nasty knee injury.
The 22-year-old requires further assessment but the prognosis is not expected to be good, leaving van Graan with just one recognisable loosehead in Dave Kilcoyne.
Meanwhile, Leinster have reported a relatively clean bill of health as they begin preparations for their trip to Sandy Park to face Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.
Robbie Henshaw, Dan Leavy and James Ryan — all injured on international duty — will be monitored as the week progresses, while Isa Nacewa and Johnny Sexton trained with the rest of the squad at Donnybrook this afternoon.
James Lowe, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier all came through the weekend’s win over Treviso which means Leo Cullen has no new injury concerns heading into the European double-header.
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