MUNSTER HAVE BEEN dealt a setback with news that hooker Mike Sherry will be out of action for another five to six months, after a second shoulder operation in 2014.
The 26-year-old originally underwent surgery on the joint in January, ending his season, but had been expected to return for the new campaign under head coach Anthony Foley.
Sherry has taken part in much of Munster’s pre-season schedule, but the province say a “a routine check-up” on his shoulder revealed a new issue and the hooker was forced to go under the knife last Friday in Limerick. As a result, he has been ruled out of action until the New Year.
Keith Earls sustained a knee injury while in Ireland camp at Carton House recently, and Munster say that problem will sideline him for four to five weeks.
Meanwhile, Luke O’Dea will miss the next three to four weeks with knee bruising, while fellow wing Gerhard van den Heever is out for four to five weeks, also with a knee problem. Both players were injured while taking part in the Limerick World Club 7s in Thomond Park, where Munster finished seventh overall.
Finally, hooker Damien Varley faces another three to four weeks out of selection contention due to a foot injury, but fellow front row Duncan Casey is making good progress and should be available for the pre-season fixture against London Irish on the 29th of August.
