Friday 12 January 2018 20:35, UK
Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien looks set to miss the start of the upcoming Six Nations.
The Leinster man has had an operation on the hip injury which has kept him on the sidelines since the Champions Cup clash with Exeter in the middle of December.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: "Sean O'Brien saw a specialist this week for the tightness in his hip, as it hadn't responded to treatment as we would have liked.
"As a result he had a small procedure and the target is to have O'Brien back available during the Six Nations window."
O'Brien, therefore, looks set to miss Ireland's Six Nations opener in France on 3 February but could return later in the tournament.
The 30-year-old may try to prove his fitness by playing for Leinster against Edinburgh in the Pro14 on February 9, but that would mean him missing Ireland's home game with Italy the following day.
One of Ireland's most experienced performers, O'Brien has been capped 51 times by his country.
He has also made five appearances for the Lions and started all three of the Tests in New Zealand last summer, scoring a memorable try in the series opener.
