Leinster have confirmed that Cian Healy is out for up to eight weeks with a sprained ankle.

The Ireland prop underwent surgery yesterday to rectify the problem and will not return to action until next month at the earliest.

The extent of the injury means that he is now facing a battle to be fit for the start of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.

In better news Leinster staff are hopeful that Sean O'Brien will have recovered from his dead leg in time for Saturday's clash with Northampton at the Aviva.

Main image ©INPHO/Donall Farmer