Friday, November 22, 2024

Investec Champions Cup: Leinster sweat over Ireland internationals’ fitness for Leicester game

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Leinster could be without a host of injured Irish internationals for this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup last-16 match against Leicester Tigers.

Luke McGrath and Robbie Henshaw must go through return to play protocols following the club’s United Rugby Championship win over the Bulls.

Ciaran Frawley (foot), Hugo Keenan (hip), Andrew Porter and Garry Ringrose (both shoulder) are also doubts.

Jimmy O’Brien is being assessed as he nears a return from a neck injury.

Full-back O’Brien has not played since Leinster’s Champions Cup win over Sale in December having been forced to miss Ireland’s successful Six Nations defence.

Frawley featured in Leinster’s win over Zebre on 23 March, but Keenan, Porter and Ringrose have not returned to club action since the Six Nations.

Elsewhere, centre Charlie Ngatai is nearing a return from a calf problem while Cormac Foley has resumed full training following a shoulder issue.

James Ryan (arm), Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot) all remain out.

Four-time winners Leinster host Leicester at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night as they aim to reach a third Champions Cup final in a row, having lost the last two to La Rochelle.

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