Luke Marshall remains a doubt for second test

Concerns over suspected concussion ease but Ulster centre still unlikely to play against Argentina

Ireland’s Luke Marshall is tackled during the win over Argentina last Saturday. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho
Ireland’s Luke Marshall is tackled during the win over Argentina last Saturday. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho

Fears that Luke Marshall may have suffered concussion appear to have been dispelled following several tests since the Ulster centre was taken off in the 57th minute of last Saturday's first test win in Resistencia, but given the 23-year-old's history he will be assessed on a daily basis and must now be a doubt for the second test in Tucuman next Saturday.

Speaking from the team hotel in Buenos Aires this morning, the Irish manager Mick Kearney said: "Luke Marshall was removed as a precaution as he may have taken a blow to the head during the game.

“All testing post-game was normal and his computerised neurocognitive testing yesterday (Sunday) was normal as well. As such there is no formal evidence of concussion but given his history we’ll be taking every precaution necessary and he will be re-accessed on a daily basis.”

Not before time, this was a relatively detailed briefing regarding a player suffering suspected concussion, and the management’s concerns are valid given Marshall suffered concussion three times last season and once early on this season.

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Kearney confirmed that Conor Murray has also emerged as a doubt.

"Conor Murray suffered a dead-leg but is responding well. He will be assessed as the week goes on and is unlikely to train in the early part of the week. Johnny Sexton suffered a cramp at the back of his knee and has recovered well and is expected to train fully this week."