Devastating update on Leinster & Ireland captain Caelan Doris
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Sidelined.
Leinster and Ireland captain Caelan Doris is reportedly set to remain sidelined until the new year following a setback in his recovery from injury.
According to The Irish Times, the number eight’s knee is understood to have become infected following surgery, delaying his anticipated return.
Doris suffered a foot injury during Leinster’s URC final victory over the Bulls at Croke Park in June and also underwent a knee procedure.
Having missed Ireland’s opening Nations Championship games against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July, he had been expected to return for the November internationals.
Ireland face Argentina, Fiji and South Africa before the competition’s finals weekend at Twickenham, but now look set to be without their captain throughout that schedule.
There is some encouragement, however, with Doris said to be making good progress and confidence that he could return by early January.
That would put him in contention for Leinster’s final two Champions Cup pool games against Pau and Leicester, ahead of Ireland’s 2027 Six Nations campaign.
It is another frustrating setback for Doris, who missed last year’s Lions tour to Australia after suffering a shoulder injury against Northampton in the Champions Cup semi-final.
He returned during Ireland’s November campaign and went on to play every minute of this year’s Six Nations. The latest delay now leaves him facing another extended spell out ahead of a World Cup year.
He joins Ireland teammate Jack Crowley on the sidelines, with the outhalf also expected to be out until the new year.
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