Zebo Sidelined As Lengthy Injury List Emerges

The Ireland squad were counting the cost of a particularly attritional RBS 6 Nations encounter with England at the Aviva Stadium yesterday afternoon.

In addition to the normal physical toll, there were several members of the Ireland squad who required further assessment after the 12-6 defeat.

Out-half Jonathan Sexton strained his hamstring in the first half and a subsequent scan has confirmed the injury, which makes him doubtful for the game against Scotland in just under two weeks.

Winger Simon Zebo is definitely ruled out for the remainder of the Championship after fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He underwent surgery on the injury today with an expected eight to ten-week recovery period.

Second row Mike McCarthy picked up a strain to the medial ligament in his right knee and is considered doubtful for the Scotland fixture, but will see a specialist this week for further review.

Brian O’Driscoll (right ankle) and Donnacha Ryan (back) will also see a specialist in the middle of this week for further review, but neither are ruled out of the Scottish game at this point.

Rob Kearney is recovering well after suffering a dead leg, while Sean O’Brien came off with a tight hamstring and will be monitored throughout the week.