Niall Scannell injury only fresh concern for Munster ahead of sold-out Leinster derby

Clayton McMillan will reveal his team for the Leinster derby on Christmas Eve.

SQUAD UPDATE: Hooker Niall Scannell is the only fresh injury concern for Munster ahead of this Saturday’s sold-out URC derby with Leinster at Thomond Park. Picture: ©INPHO/Geraint Nicholas

Hooker Niall Scannell is the only fresh injury concern for Munster ahead of this Saturday’s sold-out URC derby with Leinster at Thomond Park.

Scannell was removed after 30 minutes of Munster’s bonus-point victory over Ospreys in Bridgend last Saturday and is set for a scan on the neck injury he sustained at Brewery Field. The 33-year-old was replaced by Lee Barron, who went on to a score try before half-time while their fellow hooker Diarmuid Barron is expected to be back in the selection mix to face the URC champions having missed the trip to Wales after failing a Head Injury Assessment the previous weekend.

The positive news from Munster sixth URC win from the opening seven rounds was the positive returns to play following injuries for both wing Calvin Nash and lock Fineen Wycherley (hand) while in addition to Diarmuid Barron, there could be a return for centre Dan Kelly.

No update on the summer signing’s progress from a calf injury sustained against Gloucester on December 13 was given on Monday but Munster had last week estimated his return to play at seven to 14 days.

Head coach Clayton McMillan continues to be without both tighthead Oli Jager (head) and back-rower Brian Gleeson over the festive period though both forwards are slated to return in the New Year.

McMillan will reveal his team for the Leinster derby on Christmas Eve.