O’Connell and Earls remain injury concerns ahead of semi-final

PAUL O’CONNELL and Keith Earls remain major injury concerns for Munster ahead of the Heineken Cup semi-final clash with Biarritz in San Sebastian on May 2nd.

The duo, who are struggling with groin strains, are not included in the squad for Saturday’s crucial Magners League clash with Ospreys at Thomond Park (6.30pm).

Even if O’Connell is fit for Biarritz, coach Tony McGahan would be presented with a selection problem given that the captain hasn’t had a game since Ireland’s Six Nations defeat to Scotland on March 20th. Earls did come through the quarter-final win 10 days ago and has the better chance of seeing action in northern Spain.