O’Driscoll an injury concern for Leinster
Leinster management have said thay they are confident Brian O’Driscoll will be available for Saturday’s crunch Heineken Cup meeting with Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park Stadium, despite picking up an ankle knock against the Scarlets over the weekend.
The influential centre, who was making just his second appearance after almost three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, experienced discomfort after rolling on his ankle in Saturday’s 33-14 victory.
He will take a limited part in on-field training early in the week but is expected to be fit for selection by Thursday.
Elsewhere, there are a number of niggles in the squad which will be monitored by the medical team ahead of Friday’s lunchtime team announcement prior to the squad’s departure to the south of England.
Cian Healy was replaced at half-time after producing a typically lung-bursting display, while Jonathan Sexton, who received plenty of physical attention from the Scarlets, was replaced by Ian Madigan late on as a precaution.
Sean O’Brien was a late withdrawal from the game due to illness, but he is expected to resume full training this week as will Kevin McLaughlin (shoulder).
Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss will be available for selection, while Isa Nacewa successfully came through his comeback game after missing the last few weeks with a forearm injury.
In a further boost for the province, following his recent quad injury David Kearney successfully came through his comeback game in the ‘A’ team’s British & Irish Cup victory over Pontypridd earlier on Saturday afternoon in a game which also saw second row Mark Flanagan (back) return to action.
The Scarlets victory marked forward duo Tom Denton and Aaron Dundon’s Heineken Cup debuts for the province, the latter being particularly impressive with ball in hand.
