Team manager Michael Kearney said today: "Johnny (Sexton) continues to make progress. His progress continues to be monitored but to reach match level intensity, he still has work to do.

"At this stage we would be more hopeful than confident for his availability for France.

"Donnacha Ryan suffered a bruised AC joint. he won't take part in training this week and he will be reassessed on Monday.

"At this stage he is in some doubt for the match against France. I would say he is somewhat less than 50-50. Johnny would be less than 50-50 as well."

On the two other main concerns, Kearney added: "Mike McCarthy is running well and his (medial knee ligament) injury is improving but similarly to Johnny (Sexton) he has a number of milestones to reach prior to being available for selection.

"At this stage we would rate his chances of being fit at 50-50. Craig Gilroy suffered a groin strain but scans excluded a tear. He continues to improve and is deloaded this week with the view that he will train fully next week."

The Ireland squad trained at Carton House this afternoon and will do so again tomorrow before having a down day on Saturday. The team announcement for the France game will take place next Tuesday.