Johnny Sexton has been ruled out Ireland's opening game of the Six Nations against Scotland this weekend.
The out-half was suffered a calf injury in Leinster's Champions Cup draw with Castres 10 days ago.
There was optimism that the 31-year-old would be fit to play at Murrayfield on Saturday. However, those hopes have proved to be in vain.
Squad update: Johnny Sexton has done some running but will not be considered for selection this weekend. #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 31, 2017
Paddy Jackson will almost certainly start at the weekend.
It leaves the bench looking a bit thin in terms of replacements for Jackson should he be injured during the game.
Munster out-half Ian Keatley, who is second choice for the province behind Tyler Bleyendaal, has been training with the Ireland squad and could take a place on the bench. There is also a possibility of Rory Scannell taking place in the matchday 23 as cover for Jackson. Scannell has played out-half before though usually features at inside centre for Munster.
Squad Update: @iankeatley has trained with the squad and @Scannell12 also in line to cover.
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 31, 2017
Peter O'Mahony has also been ruled out of centention for a place while Andrew Trimble is suffering from tight groin. The Ulster winger's fitness will be monitored this week ahead of the game.
Squad Update: @peterom6 to have scan after slight tightness in hamstring. #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 31, 2017
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
