Leinster Injury Update Ahead Of Champions Cup Clash With Northampton

Leinster have issued an injury update ahead of their Friday night lights clash with Northampton.

The clash at Franklin Gardens is crucial if Leinster wish to progress with all four sides having won once and lost once from their opening two games. A win on Friday would certainly go a long way towards qualification.

Joey Carberry looks set to start the weekend as Johnny Sexton continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. The good news however is that Sexton is expected to be back in a matter of weeks rather than months and won’t be taking a long-term sabbatical to rest up.

He’s on a rehab programme to get him back fully fit,” Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster explained.

“It’s not a serious injury but clearly there’s been one or two hamstring injuries that have come along one week here, one week there.

“So I think Ireland and Leinster have correctly made the right call and put the player at the centre and decided to get that sorted once and for all.”

Sean O’Brien is another injury worry ahead of the game, having missed Ireland’s win over Australia with a problem. Lancaster however is optimistic.

“We’re pretty optimistic he’s going to be right for Friday,” Lancaster said

“I think Ireland made the right call leaving him out.

“It’s the type of injury that you can easily make worse if you play.”

Rob Kearney and Robbie Henshaw have trained this week as they continue their return to play protocols. Both players are expected to be fit and ready come Friday.