Wednesday 6 January 2016 13:32, UK
Ireland forward Cian Healy is a major injury doubt for the Six Nations opener against Wales.
The Leinster prop is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing a scope and clear out of his right knee on Tuesday afternoon.
The 28-year-old, who is currently serving a two-week suspension, is expected to be out for three to four weeks as a result of the procedure, although Leinster are still awaiting the full report.
Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on February 7, leaving Healy short of time to prove his fitness ahead of that game.
The injury problems are now mounting for the defending champions with Ulster duo Iain Henderson and Tommy Bowe both set to miss the tournament.
Henderson, who was expected to take over from the retired Paul O'Connell in the second row after making a big impact at the World Cup, looks likely to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.
Bowe suffered a knee ligament injury at the World Cup and, although he is hoping to return before the end of the campaign, he has ruled himself out of the Six Nations.
Healy's fellow Leinster prop Mike Ross is, however, expected to return in time for Ireland's clash with Wales, while fly-half Johnny Sexton has returned to full training and will be fit for Leinster's Pro12 trip to the Ospreys on Friday.
