Ireland provide injury update on Caelan Doris and Hugo Keenan as star duo miss training

Hugo-Keenan-and-Caelan-Doris-Ireland-SN-2023-Alamy

Despite sitting out training on Tuesday, Ireland back-row Caelan Doris is expected to be fit for the Six Nations clash with Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Doris sustained “bumps and bruises” while captaining his country during a one-sided 36-0 Round Two victory against Italy in Dublin.

Hugo Keenan still not training

Meanwhile, full-back Hugo Keenan has still not trained after he was forced to leave the field with a knee injury in the clash with the Azzurri on February 11 but will be given a chance to prove his fitness ahead of the showdown with Wales.

“Caelan didn’t train and that was the plan at the beginning of the week, just to manage him,” defence coach Simon Easterby told a press conference, according to the Irish Independent.

“But we’re expecting him to train fully tomorrow, so there should be no issue with Caelan.

“He is probably carrying a few (knocks), but more bumps and bruises.

“I guess he took a few hits against Italy and he’s in a good place but he needs to be managed in a couple of areas.

“We don’t expect him not to be fully fit for the weekend.”

Wales change fly-half for Six Nations Test against Ireland

Keenan has been almost ever-present at full-back for the men from the Emerald Isle over the past three years.

When asked for an update on the 27-year-old’s condition, Easterby said: “He’s good, and I think again, it’s sort of similar to Caelan.

“Hugo has been such a massive part of this group since he first made his debut a few years ago, so it’s important that we give him the opportunity to prove his fitness.

“But we are really excited as well about the opportunities that might present if he doesn’t make it.”

Ireland‘s team is set to be announced on Thursday afternoon.

Second-row Iain Henderson is another concern after injuring a foot while on duty for Ulster during their 19-17 United Rugby Championship loss to the Ospreys.

Wednesday is D-Day

Easterby said they are set to make final calls on Keenan, Doris and Henderson’s fitness on Wednesday.

“For someone like Caelan in particular, you wouldn’t want to leave it too late,” he said.

“You’d also want to make sure you give the guys that potentially do start the opportunity to get time in the saddle.

“It’s important that we grow the squad and grow the experience that the guys have and that’s the case for Caelan’s position and Hugo’s.”