Tuesday 16 February 2016 17:11, UK
Johnny Sexton suffered "whiplash" rather than concussion during Ireland's defeat to France, coach Joe Schmidt says.
Ireland's fly-half has a history of head injuries and appeared dazed when he left the field in the 69th minute of France's 10-9 Six Nations win.
French second row Yoann Maestri on Monday received a citing commissioner's warning for using a shoulder in a tackle on Sexton earlier in the game, while Ireland came away from Paris with several other injuries.
Sean O'Brien suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out against England on February 27, while Dave Kearney (shoulder) and Jared Payne (hamstring) are doubts along with Mike McCarthy (concussion).
But the outlook is brighter for Sexton, and Schmidt said: "Johnny Sexton, with his neck and shoulder, it's more of a whiplash injury, and he is certainly feeling a lot better, 48 hours post-game.
"Jared Payne has got a grade one hamstring strain that he actually did in the first-half against France. Jared said he would go as long as he could, and he was doing a good job for us defensively.
"He certainly won't train this week and we'll have to monitor him in the lead-up to the England game."
Ireland go to Twickenham later this month with just one point from two games.
