‘Next few weeks’.
Leinster’s injury list is not as bad as Munster’s but they could have done without the addition of Jack McGrath and Tom Daly.
McGrath is out for the rest of the month after injuring his knee in training and delaying what was originally planned to be a comeback this weekend. The loose-head sustained the injury on the training field, Leinster confirmed in a statement, and his return to action has been delayed.
It is hoped that McGrath, who featured in Ireland’s victorious tour to Australia during the summer, may be able to return for the October 6 clash with Munster at the Aviva Stadium.
Daly, meanwhile, injured his media ligament [knee] while on Leinster ‘A’ duty and will be out for four to six weeks. He joins Ciarán Frawley [wrist], Will Connors [ACL], Sean O’Brien [shoulder], Dan Leavy [shoulder], Barry Daly [knee] and Nick McCarthy [wrist] on the sidelines.
Leinster face Dragons at The RDS on Friday and they are expected to welcome back as many as five internationals. That list includes Johnny Sexton, James Ryan, Rob Kearney, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier.
Down at Munster, meanwhile, they are adding Neil Cronin and Billy Holland to the ever-lengthening list of senior players they cannot call on. A release from the province reads:
‘Billy Holland and Neil Cronin were both replaced in the first half of the Glasgow game. Holland suffered a rib injury and will be treated by the medical department. Cronin suffered a right shoulder injury and will begin rehabilitation with the medical department.
‘Jeremy Loughman and Jack Daly were treated for suspected concussion during the Munster A game and will undergo the return-to-play protocols under the supervision of the medical department. Conor Murray (neck) is continuing to follow rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical department.’
The other players Johann van Graan is without, at present, are Kevin O’Byrne [calf], Tyler Bleyendaal [neck], Conor Oliver [toe], Niall Scannell [shoulder], Chris Farrell [knee], Liam O’Connor [knee], Jack O’Donoghue [knee], and Ronan O’Mahony [ankle].
Only slightly more positive notes, flanker Chris Cloete is nearing a return to action while prop Cronan Gleeson has been awarded a three-month development contract with the senior squad after impressing during an extended training stint.
