O'Connell injury blow for Munster
Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a broken thumb – putting his participation in the Six Nations opener against Scotland in doubt.
The Munster second-rower underwent surgery at the weekend after sustaining injury in the Celtic League victory over Ulster and his hand will be in plaster for the next five weeks before he can have a scan to determine when he will be able to resume playing.
It means he will miss the final Heineken Cup pool game at home to Zurich Premiership leaders Gloucester on January 18 as well as the Celtic League final against Neath in Cardiff on February 1.
Munster will also be without winger Anthony Horgan, who missed the first three months of the season following shoulder surgery, for Saturday’s Heineken Cup trip to Perpignan.
Horgan damaged a hamstring in the first half against Ulster and a specialist has ruled him out of the clash against the French.
