Monday 10 April 2017 15:47, UK
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus admits he is nervous about the fitness of Conor Murray and CJ Stander ahead of the province's European Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens.
Murray is still dealing with the shoulder injury which forced him to miss both Ireland's win over England in the final round of the Six Nations and Munster's victory over Toulouse in the last eight of the Champions Cup.
Stander was forced off with an ankle injury against Toulouse and faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with reigning champions Saracens at the Aviva Stadium on April 22.
Munster also have injury concerns regarding Tyler Bleyendaal and Donnacha Ryan who both sustained concussions during Saturday's 10-7 win over Glasgow in the PRO12, and prop James Cronin, who requires a scan to a knee injury he picked up in the same game.
It appears unlikely any of those five players will be involved when Munster host Ulster in the PRO12 at Thomond Park on Saturday, with Erasmus confirming both Bleyendaal and Ryan will be put through return-to-play protocols this week.
"Obviously, we are trying to get CJ and Conor back this week while Donnacha and Tyler will go through the usual HIA processes so hopefully they will pass those tests and be available for Saturday", said Erasmus.
"I don't think they were among the worst concussions ever seen. I'm nervous for CJ and Conor because they are important players like any other coach would be at this stage of the season.
"Other coaches, Mark McCall at Saracens, I'm sure they all have worries and we are the same. CJ and Conor are world-class players and it would be great to have them available.
"My gut feeling is that CJ has a better chance than Conor because of the speed of recovery of the two at this stage. They have a good chance but not this week although they are not ruled out."
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