Racing Metro say that Jonny Sexton could be facing up to six weeks out of action.

The French club has confirmed that the Ireland out-half picked up a thumb ligament injury during last Saturday's defeat to England at Twickenham, but have been unable to put a firm time-frame on his recovery.

Racing coach Laurent Labit says that the 28-year-old could be sidelined for anything between 10 days and six weeks, which means that he is now likely to miss Ireland's next Six Nations outing against Italy.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will now be awaiting further updates from the Top-14 club after allowing both Paddy Jackson and Ian Madigan to return to their provinces for this weekend's Pro 12 fixtures.

Last night on Off The Ball, Gerry Thornley and Keith Wood shared their growing concerns about the toll Sexton's Racing Metro career is taking on his fitness.

Thornley explained that Sexton has played almost 10 more games than he would have done had he stayed at Leinster.