LEINSTER COACH JONO Gibbes says he still doesn’t know when Rob Kearney will be fit to return to action.
Kearney has been sidelined with an unspecified back problem picked up against Connacht last month and missed the first two rounds of the Heineken Cup as the champions opened their campaign with back-to-back wins.
Although the official injury update said today that Kearney could be available for Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash against the Cardiff Blues — as it has done for the past few weeks — Gibbes appeared to rule the full-back out and stressed that he won’t be rushed back.
“I think the medical staff are just doing more investigation or whatever it is. They’re working on a plan for Rob and what’s best for him. I don’t think he’s in consideration for this week to the best of my knowledge.
“He was touch and go for those couple of weeks — is he in, is he out? You’re desperate to have him involved because of the class that he has.
I think it’s best that he just takes his time, gets himself right, and we give him the opportunity to let whatever that injury is heal.
There are no other fresh injury concerns arising out of Saturday’s hard-earned win against Scarlets in Wales. Gordon D’Arcy successfully came through 80 minutes after his recent rib injury, while Richardt Strauss received stitches to a cut on his chin.
Rhys Ruddock came through his first game time of season in Leinster A’s defeat against Pontypridd and is available for selection this weekend, as is Dave Kearney. Second row Tom Denton was a late withdrawal from the A’s 25-23 defeat in Sardis Road but is not a doubt for Saturday evening’s game in the RDS.
Lock Quinn Roux (ankle) will continue to be assessed by Leinster’s medical team.
