Out.

Leinster outhalf Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of this weekend’s return fixture with Northampton Saints in Dublin following a nasty knee injury picked up on Saturday.

Sexton went off early in the second half of Leinster’s win against the Saints at Franklin’s Gardens over the weekend after landing very awkwardly on his knee following a challenge.

The Ireland international looked to be in some pain following the incident but the full extent of the problem is still unknown.

Leinster have said he will definitely miss this weekend’s game and will see a specialist today for a further scan.

Meanwhile, James Ryan will follow return to play protocols after he was removed in the second half of that 43-16 bonus-point win. Joe Tomane has reaggravated his hamstring and will be out for six to eight weeks, while Sean Cronin has returned to full training following a neck injury.