Hugo Keenan and Joe McCarthy facing spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen provided the update after their open training session at Greystones RFC on Wednesday.

Hugo Keenan celebrates after scoring his side's fifth try during the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Hugo Keenan has been ruled out of action until the New Year after undergoing surgery on his hip, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has confirmed.

The fullback underwent the operation following the conclusion of the British and Irish Lions tour victory against Australia Down Under and it will now see him sit out Ireland’s autumn internationals as well as a number of significant Leinster fixtures in the first of their season.

Cullen has also confirmed that Keenan’s Ireland, Leinster and Lions team mate Joe McCarthy has undergone surgery on the foot injury he suffered during the series in Australia, which saw him miss out on the second and third Test.

And speaking after his team’s open training session at Greystones RFC on Wednesday, Cullen refused to put a return date on either injured player.

“Hugo had surgery post the Lions tour on his hip,” he confirmed.

“He probably won’t feature until the New Year. Exactly what point, I’m not sure yet.

“Joe has an issue with his foot. He had an issue obviously with the Lions, but he’s made it worse anyway.

“So he’s had a bit of a setback. Whether he’s out until November, but he is not going to feature for us anyway in that first block [of URC matches].

“It’s early days, and I don’t know is the honest answer. We understand it’s a very challenging start to the season, because there are so many moving parts.”