Munster’s injury nightmare goes from bad to worse as three players require surgery

Adam Kyriacou 04 Jan 2024 4:21 PM

Munster back-row Jack O'Donoghue being stretchered off.

Munster’s injury nightmare this season has gone from bad to worse after it was revealed that three players, and possibly a fourth, are set to go under the knife.

Already under mounting pressure as they try to deal with a substantial injury list, the United Rugby Championship (URC) holders have today been dealt further setbacks.

Ireland loosehead prop and Munster veteran Dave Kilcoyne has undergone surgery on his shoulder and will be out of action for at least six months, the team has confirmed.

Surgery setbacks

Kilcoyne is joined in going under the knife by promising young second-row Edwin Edogbo, who will have surgery on his Achilles tendon next week in a cruel blow.

There is also hugely disappointing news for hooker Diarmuid Barron (foot) as he also needs to undergo surgery next Monday. His return will be determined post surgery.

Further to that a fourth Munster player could possibly also require an operation as back-row Jack O’Donoghue is going for a scan and will receive a surgical opinion.

O’Donoghue was injured during the recent URC match against Connacht after a clear-out at a ruck ended his afternoon. Tighthead prop Oli Jager also had his game cut short but is following the graduated return to play protocols after being removed, so Munster will hope that he can return in time for the resumption of Champions Cup pool action.

Grim injury update from Munster.

Jack O'Donoghue set for a scan and surgical opinion on his knee injury.

Dave Kilcoyne's season over after shoulder surgery.

Edwin Edogbo to have Achilles surgery next week.

Diarmuid Barron also having foot surgery. Recovery TBC.

— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) January 4, 2024

The duo’s injury blows came after both hooker Eoghan Clarke and second-row Fineen Wycherley were ruled out ahead of the game at the Sportsground, with an update also given on both. Clarke, like Jager, is following the graduated return to play protocols while Wycherley could a return to training shortly, after he suffered a shoulder injury.

Munster’s lengthy injury update was not done there as the club revealed that centre Alex Nankivell is rehabilitating his ankle injury and his availability will be determined next week. Nankivell has made an impressive impact since joining from Super Rugby Pacific outfit the Chiefs so Munster will hope for a swift return for the New Zealander.

Growing injury list

The Irish province are already without Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Peter O’Mahony (shoulder), Jean Kleyn (eye), Jack Daly (ankle), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Mike Haley (hip), Niall Scannell (groin), RG Snyman (chest/shoulder), Joey Carbery (wrist), Roman Salanoa (knee) and Cian Hurley (ankle/Achilles), who continue to rehab their injuries.

Fortunately the team has a weekend off on the fixture list which will help bodies mend before they return against Toulon in the Champions Cup on Saturday, January 13.

Munster