Triple injury blow for Munster Rugby ahead of crunch Leinster clash at Thomond Park

THE Munster Rugby squad has been dealt three significant injury blows ahead of crucial United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup fixtures.

Munster have confirmed this Monday that Thaakir Abrahams (shoulder), Craig Casey (knee) and Jean Kleyn (thigh) all underwent surgery last week and have been ruled out for approximately four months.

The disappointing news comes at a time when Munster are facing into a vital run of fixtures, beginning with the Friday, December 27, interprovincial clash with Leinster at a sold-out Thomond Park, 7.35pm, live on TG4 and Premier Sports.

In further injury news, Munster has confirmed that centre Alex Nankivell is going for a scan today to determine the extent of the hamstring injury he sustained on Friday night in their bonus point URC win over Ulster in Belfast.

Munster revealed that Limerick prop Dave Kilcoyne injured his thigh against Ulster, while Scott Buckley injured his calf in action for Munster A against Ulster A at the weekend. They will also go for scans and are unavailable this week.

Dian Bleuler is completing his return to play protocols and his availability will be determined later in the week.

Meanwhile, Diarmuid Barron (chest), Peter O’Mahony (calf contusion) and Conor Murray (elbow) are all progressing and their availability for Friday night's URC derby with Leinster will be determined later in the week.

Additional goal-line seating is in place at both ends of the Thomond Park ground for the December 27 clash with an increased capacity of 26,267.

Munster A are also in action on Friday against Leinster A at Nenagh Ormond with a 1.30pm kick-off.

Continuing to rehab: Liam Coombes (chest), Seán O’Brien (leg), Diarmuid Kilgallen (wrist), Jeremy Loughman (hip), Josh Wycherley (neck), Mark Donnelly (ankle), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).