THE GOOD NEWS in Munster is that they moved into their new training base at UL for the first time this morning and CJ Stander will be available to them next weekend, but there is still doubts about Simon Zebo’s availability following injury.
Munster are waiting on the results of a scan on Zebo’s ribs to discover the severity of the injury that forced the Ireland international out of their Pro12 opener against Scarlets last weekend.
Zebo only lasted 18 minutes after he appeared to take a blow from his teammate Rory Scannell as the duo chased a kick through behind their own try-line and then shipped another hit in contact afterwards.
Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus admitted he was not hopeful that the utility back would be available to line out for the side in their first home game of the season against Cardiff Blues next Friday, but that it would be Monday night before they got a true reflection of the injury.
“It’s his ribs. We’ll have a better indication after the scans come back, but in my experience as a player and a coach, I would be surprised if he is ready for the weekend,” said Erasmus.
Kevin O’Byrne was the only other injury concern to emerge from the win against Scarlets and he is having a scan on an elbow injury, but there was some positive news for tighthead Stephen Archer, who is only likely to miss one more game due to the neck injury he picked up ahead of the new season.
After Donnacha Ryan and Dave Kilcoyne returned to the match-day squad on Saturday from their player management programme period after Ireland’s summer tour, Stander is the latest international to make his comeback this weekend.
However, there is still no sign of Conor Murray or Keith Earls for Erasmus, while Peter O’Mahony will not make his return this weekend either following his year-long layoff due to a knee injury picked up at last year’s World Cup.
Alex Wootton (knee) and David Johnston (ankle) were both able to take a full part in training after missing the game at the weekend, but there is no return in sight for new signing Sammy Arnold (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Sean McCarthy (knee), Francis Saili (shoulder) and Mike Sherry (back), who are all long-term absentees.
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They ain’t getting Ronaldo. He wants to leave Utd ’cause he wants Champions league and that’s fair enough, but I think he has principles and he won’t go to Chelsea. Plus, I can’t see Utd selling him to a Premiership rival. They’d leave him on the bench before selling him to them.
@Stephen Foster: he was on the verge of signing for city before United upped his wage so don’t think his principles are as strong as you think.
@Stephen Foster: if he wants to leave and champions league probably only Man City, PSG or Chelsea can afford his wages. That’s a very small market.
Not saying Utd can’t afford to force him to stay and to keep him on the bench, but wouldn’t that be a terrible move. Although keeping an unhappy player against his will, on one of the biggest wages in world football is very on brand for Man Utd
@Paul Mallon: fair enough but that’s a bit cynical. The man doesn’t need money and I don’t think that motivates him. City were clearly the more obvious club that would provide him a platform to win things but he still went with Utd. I can’t see him going to a rival. It’s Europe or nothing. Plus I think there’s a possibility he’s doing it to motivate transfers. He’s pissed off Utd haven’t improved the squad yet.
@Stephen Foster: Would be funny if he joined chelsea. Man utd fans would lose their minds
@Paddy Kavanagh: why? Its not liverpool or city is it? I wouldn’t be too arsed if he went to london to be honest
@Paddy Kavanagh: yeah would be hilarious alright paddy but I don’t think the majority of utd fans would mind seeing him sign for Chelsea? I still think he will be a utd player come the start of the season though??
Say goodbye to the dressing room if you stick those two in it.
I hope Chelsea don’t buy he’s not a team player Ronaldo only thinks of Ronaldo nobody else he’s a glory hunter and not worth the amount club pay for him it’s ridiculous