Ireland and Leinster prop Cian Healy is out of action for eight weeks after undergoing surgery on ankle injury.

The loosehead sat out last weekend's 40-7 Heineken Cup win over Northamtpon and was already ruled out of the return leg on at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, but confirmation came today of a more lengthy stretch on the sidelines, that could hinder his Six Nations campaign, which is scheduled to begin against Scotland in Dublin on February 3rd.

“Cian had ankle surgery on Wednesday so he’s unavailable for about eight weeks,” said Leinster coach Matt O’Connor today. “He’s doing good but he won’t play for a while.”

The injury means Michael Bent, a tighthead by trade, will move to cover loosehead and Jack McGrath will be promoted to the frontline for the six fixtures - three Heineken Cup and three Pro12 - between now and the resumption of international rugby.

Seán O’Brien remains a concern for this weekend, meanwhile, after picking up a dead leg against the Saints last week.

“Seán trained alright so we’ll wait and see. We’ll give him as long as possible and hopefully he’ll be right (for Saturday),” added O’Connor.

Looking ahead to the game, the coach was keen to move on from last weekend’s triumphant visit to Franklin’s Gardens and is wary of a backlash from a wounded Northampton side.

“The result was pleasing but the guys are under no illusions about what Saints will bring this week,” he said.