McFadden’s Season Is Over Due To Fractured Thumb
Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor has this afternoon issued a squad update ahead of next Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 showdown with Ulster, and there was bad news for international winger Fergus McFadden.
Fergus McFadden will miss the rest of Leinster’s season as he undergoes surgery on Wednesday morning for a fracture in his right thumb sustained during the second half of yesterday’s Champions Cup game against Toulon. The injury will keep him sidelined for up to eight weeks.
The Kildare native tweeted today: “Pretty sick after that result yesterday, one that got away from us. Thanks for the well wishes, gutted my season is over.”
Apart from the injury to McFadden, and the wear and tear associated with a bruising 100-minute semi-final encounter, the rest of the matchday 23 came through the 25-20 defeat without any significant issues.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Kane Douglas will undergo surgery on Thursday morning for his back issue diagnosed last week. The injury will keep the Australian lock sidelined for up to three months.
Shane Jennings is still undergoing the return-to-play protocols and a final decision on his availability or otherwise for the derby trip to Belfast will be made later in the week. Similarly, Tom Denton, who was ruled out of the Toulon clash with a bicep strain, will be assessed tomorrow.
Finally, Kevin McLaughlin will take further contact this week as he recovers from his shoulder reconstruction. The back rower is in line to be available for selection before the end of the season.
The Leinster squad return to training tomorrow ahead of their visit to a sold-out Kingspan Stadium on Friday evening. The final Leinster home match of the PRO12 regular season is against Benetton Treviso at the RDS on Friday, May 8 (kick-off 7.35pm). Tickets are on sale here.