SIMON Zebo and Liam Coombes have been ruled-out of the Munster squad to face Connacht in Friday night’s United Rugby Championship clash at the Sportsground in Galway.
Former Lion Zebo is troubled by a calf injury while Coombes is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Also ruled-out for the trip west are Jack Daly (knee), Alex Kendellen (head), Paddy Kelly (head), Keith Earls (thigh), Andrew Conway (knee).
Munster are also currently down nine players who are in South Africa with Ireland on an Emerging Tour.
Head coach Graham Rowntree is also likely to again release James French (Highfield), Garryowen trio Cian Hurley, Tony Butler, and Jack Oliver, along with the Shannon contingent of Darragh McSweeney, Luke Rigney, and Kieran Ryan to their clubs for this weekend’s second round action in the AIL.
On the positive front, Jean Kleyn has resumed full training after following return to play protocols.
Alex Kendellen has followed a similar path but, following a meeting with his consultant, will be given more time to recover and be monitored by Munster’s medical department.
Conor Phillips and Ruadhan Quinn, who both debuted in the weekend win over Zebre, are likely to start against Connacht.
Kick-off in Galway is at 7.35pm, with live coverage on TG4 and Live 95.
