Eddie O'Sullivan has predicted that Brian O'Driscoll's torn hamstring will keep him on the sidelines for around two months.
Skipper to undergo scan on Monday
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has predicted that Brian O'Driscoll's torn hamstring will keep his captain on the sidelines for around two months.
O'Driscoll limped off in the 75th minute of Saturday's 16-12 RBS Six Nations Nations defeat by Wales at Croke Park.
The Leinster centre will undergo a scan on Monday to asses the extent of the damage, with O'Sullivan reckoning O'Driscoll will be out of action for six to eight weeks.
However, he is confident O'Driscoll will be available for Ireland's summer tour, which sees them play New Zealand on June 7th before heading to Australia to play the Wallabies one week later.
"I don't think Brian will miss out against the All Blacks and Wallabies," O'Sullivan said.
"We don't know how bad the injury is but talking to him last night I don't think it's too serious, but the only real proof will be in the scan.
"I think he'll be gone for six to eight weeks, but that's a guess. This is the third time he's endured the exact same injury.
"He got hit when stripping the ball - his stock and trade - and his foot splayed.
"He got it in Rome three years ago and also for Leinster during a Heineken Cup (game)."
Options
The injury means that O'Driscoll will miss the Six Nations finale against England on Saturday, leaving Ireland short of options in midfield.
After suffering a fractured forearm in the opening match against Italy, inside centre Gordon D'Arcy was ruled out for the entire tournament.
Shane Horgan is therefore favourite to deputise in the number 12 jersey at Twickenham.
"It's a bit early to say what I'll do but if you were looking for an experienced midfielder, you'd be looking at Shane Horgan," O'Sullivan continued.
"At the moment we have Gordon and Brian injured and they are our only guys playing regularly in the centre.
"Andrew Trimble's played centre for Ulster but also a lot on the wing and Shane's played for Leinster on the wing.
"We don't have a load of guys playing regularly in the centre who are hanging around. It's not as if we have an abundance of options. It's a bit of a conundrum for sure."
Ireland name their team to face England at lunchtime on Tuesday.
