Crocked.

Sean O’Brien looks set for yet another spell on the sidelines, after re-injuring his shoulder in Leinster’s shock loss to Benetton over the weekend.

The Ireland back-row missed much of the season with a troublesome hip problem that required surgery, before injuring his shoulder in his comeback against the Scarlets last month.

Now The42 are reporting that O’Brien may be forced to undergo surgery again – this time on his shoulder. Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster said on Monday that O’Brien was “50-50″ to face the Scarlets this weekend. But it now looks likely that he will not be involved.

O’Brien managed just 40 minutes over the weekend, and never looked himself. He’s previously stated he “needs” to travel to Australia with Ireland this summer, but this latest setback could put those hopes in jeopardy.

“I think I need those games,” said O’Brien of the tour to Australia.

“I need that level now again to get used to it again, to get my body battle-hardened again.”

Hopefully, if it does come down to surgery – it won’t be anything too serious. Otherwise O’Brien could be looking at having to wait until next season before making his return.

Leinster meanwhile have mixed news elsewhere on the injury front. Robbie Henshaw will likely be good to go this weekend, but the same can’t be said for Luke McGrath, who looks set to miss out.