Rob Kearney a doubt for Italy with Robbie Henshaw to return

Fullback suffered a gluteal strain during Ireland’s win over Romania at Wembley

Rob Kearney is a doubt for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup fixture against Italy after he suffered a gluteal strain after scoring his side’s fifth try in the 44-10 win over Romania at Wembley. Photograph: Inpho
Rob Kearney is a doubt for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup fixture against Italy after he suffered a gluteal strain after scoring his side’s fifth try in the 44-10 win over Romania at Wembley. Photograph: Inpho

Robbie Henshaw will return to full training on Tuesday and is expected to start at inside centre for Ireland against Italy next Sunday but Rob Kearney's availability remains in doubt.

"Rob may have suffered a gluteal strain and will have a scan in Guildford later today," said Ireland manager Mick Kearney.

A gluteal strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle in the buttocks. The healing process requires no running so Simon Zebo remains in line to remain at fullback in the Olympic stadium.

Kearney lasted just seven minutes of yesterday's 44-10 defeat of Romania, injurying himself while running in Ireland's fifth try.

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“We are going to have to wait and see what the results of the scan later today so it will be 24-48 hours before we have a definitive view on that - whether he will be available for the weekend or not.

"Keith Earls passed a HIA at the ground and has some neck stiffness but is quite well. Jordi Murphy got a dead leg in the game but is expected to be fine."

On Earls’ Head Injury Assessment, Kearney added: “It’s a three step process. He completed the one coming off the pitch and was allowed back on. Stage two after the game and stage three tomorrow.”

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent