Boost for Munster Rugby on injury front ahead of crunch Champions Cup clash with Castres

THE Munster Rugby squad has started preparations at their High Performance Centre au UL ahead of Saturday’s crucial Investec Champions Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park, 5.30pm, live on Premier Sports.

Munster Rugby reported positive news on the injury front for Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey. The influential Casey was forced off with a shoulder injury in the province's defeat to Toulon on Sunday with head coach Clayon McMillan suggesting that the injury may prove 'reasonably serious'.

However, Munster assistant coach Denis Leamy indicated on Tuesday that the extent of Casey's injury was not as serious as first feared.

“We were very worried after the game, but I think relatively good news,” Leamy said.

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“That doesn’t mean he’ll play this weekend, obviously. He’s got a significant injury to his AC, but hopefully it’s not going to be too long term, that’s my understanding.”

Elsewhere, there is good news on the injury front for Munster with Jean Kleyn (calf) and Oli Jager (head) available for selection for this weekend's crucial pool fixture in Limerick.

Diarmuid Barron (knee) is being assessed with his availability to be determined later in the week.

However, Paddy Patterson (head) and Calvin Nash (shoulder/head) are both unavailable this weekend.

Munster indicate that Tom Ahern who missed Sunday's game at the Stade Felix Mayol with a neck injury and will be assessed as the week progresses to determine his availability.