Leinster will be without star winger James Lowe for their Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse, with Jordan Larmour expected to start in his place.
Lowe’s injury is a further blow to Leo Cullen’s charges, who will also be without Johnny Sexton (groin), Jamie Osborne (knee), Ronan Kelleher (shoulder), Joe McCarthy (ankle) and Martin Moloney (knee).
‘Freakish’ injury
Lowe suffered a calf injury in the 55-24 victory over Leicester Tigers in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup, seemingly doing so while celebrating his try in the 53rd minute.
“James’ was a freakish sort of injury, but we are lucky to have some great guys there,” Cullen said ahead of the clash with Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium.
“Jordan Larmour was unlucky to miss out the last game. He was excellent when James was out for the round three and four games in the pool stages as well.
“When someone like that comes back into the selection mix, it is good. But then there are other players there as well who can do a good job for us.
“We’re lucky, we’ve used plenty of players, and some guys are coming back in at the right stage of the season, which is what you want. It’s that competition piece and fresh energy.”
Leinster head into the fixture following their two games in South Africa, where they defeated the Lions 39-36 before falling to the heaviest defeat in their history, going down 62-7 to the Bulls.
While a youthful side was sent to South Africa for the two games, experienced flanker Rhys Ruddock sustained a hamstring injury in the first game and has since undergone a procedure.
He has been ruled out of the clash against Toulouse, as has Ed Byrne, who picked up a tricep injury against the Bulls.
On the positive front, Josh van der Flier, Ryan Baird and Charlie Ngatai all look set to make their returns from injury.
“They all look good, so they’re all in the mix now, which is pleasing for us,” Cullen said.
Toulouse injury news
The Top 14 giants will be without key players Ange Capuozzo and Melvyn Jaminet this week.
A few weeks ago, Capuozzo re-injured his shoulder that ruled him out of the latter stages of the Six Nations and is set to miss the remainder of Toulouse’s season.
Meanwhile, Jaminet picked up an ankle injury in Toulouse’s 19-10 loss to Stade Francais last weekend. He could still return in time for the Top 14 play-offs but is set for a spell of six to eight weeks on the sidelines.
In a boost for the French outfit, Sofiane Guitoune, Julien Marchand and Charlie Faumuina all look set to mark their returns this weekend.
Anthony Jelonch and Nelson Epee are still rehabbing at the club and are not expected to return this season.
Lucas Tauzin is also nearing a return for Ugo Mola’s side, as is Arthur Retiere, while Juan Cruz Mallia was back to full fitness last week but was not risked against Stade Francais.
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The article Champions Cup: Leinster lose James Lowe to ‘freakish’ injury while Toulouse are without Melvyn Jaminet appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
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