Leinster unclear on Healy and Heaslip returns

By Daniel Pitcher

Leinster have reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s European Champions Cup clash at home against Castres.

The squad came through their Pro 12 win over Cardiff with only bumps, bruises and a few upset stomachs after a dodgy plane journey.

However, one thing that remains unclear is whether we will see Jamie Heaslip or Cian Healy make returns from injuries. Squad captain, Heaslip was replaced in the first half of their recent win over Ulster at the RDS with damage to his right shoulder.

He was in the gym last week working on pressing and he trained with the squad today in UCD ahead of a must win European game.

Speaking to the media today, scrum coach Leo Cullen didn’t appear to be too optimistic about his chances of return this week.

As is usually the case with anybody coming back from injury, coaches always appear to air on the side of caution in terms of the players chances of playing, however today’s briefing left reporters scratching their heads with more questions.

“He’s out on the pitch for the first time today so we can access him then, see what it feels like for him running around.” Cullen said.

“As the week goes on, he can start going into a bit of contact and see how that goes, then we can make a call later in the week.” We hope he will be available, he’s such a key figure for us, but he’s probably 50/50 for us at this stage.”

Cullen also refused to 100% rule out Cian Healy of a return this week either.

Healy has been suffering with a hamstring injury since September, however we have seen pictures recently of him taking part in training sessions albeit not doing any contact work.

A return before the Six Nations Championship isn’t beyond the realm of possibility and one would think that Joe Schmidt will want to see him back playing before he names his Ireland squad.

Healy subsequently Tweeted today, “Quick lunch 20 minutes before fitness, gonna be seeing that again.” Suggesting that he won’t be taking things too easy today.

Leo Cullen said; “Cian will run today, with the nature of those long term injuries, you have really good weeks where you think you can push on the same level the following week, then you have weeks where you go nowhere.”

“He’s working away, ultimately it will come down to the surgeon and the medics - what they view as appropriate and how many boxes he’s ticked.”

“He got thrown in last year in round 5 against Castres and he hadn’t played in a while, but it’s probably a long shot at this stage - with so many big games coming up and the Six Nations we won’t be putting anyone under risk anyway.”