Andy Farrell is facing a major headache ahead of Ireland’s opening Autumn Nations Series game against New Zealand with Ronan Kelleher now a major doubt.
With Dan Sheehan definitely out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Ulster pair Rob Herring and Tom Stewart yet to play in the 2024/25 season, the Ireland coach will be desperate to have the Leinster hooker on board.
Kelleher hurt his ankle in his province’s win over Benetton in Italy in Round Three of the URC and Leinster have confirmed that he underwent surgery and will be out for between four and six weeks.
That recovery timeframe means there’s a chance he’ll be available to face the All Blacks.
In the meantime, Leinster are down to the bare bones at hooker with John McKee still sidelined and Lee Barron struggling to be available to face Connacht after hurting his ankle against Munster.
Academy hookers Gus McCarthy and Stephen Smyth will likely play on Saturday, with both players back from the Emerging Ireland tour.
Jack Conan has picked up a hamstring injury that could also threaten his November participation, while Joe McCarthy is still out with a hamstring issue of his own and both of those forwards will miss the Connacht game.
There was better news for Farrell in Robbie Henshaw’s return. He’ll be available to face his old team at the Dexcom Stadium.
Ryan Baird is undergoing the Return to Play protocols after being withdrawn with a head injury on Saturday, while Jordan Larmour is a doubt with an unspecified injury.