Injury situation looks no brighter for Munster ahead of defining clash

A decision will be made later this week on whether Munster and Ireland lock Edwin Edogbo can play against the Lions at Thomond Park in the final game of the regular United Rugby Championship season on Saturday.

The 23-year-old was replaced at half time of Munster’s recent 26-7 defeat to Connacht after receiving treatment on his right shoulder, and was seen in a sling after the match.

Munster have confirmed in an injury update that his training load will increase as the week progresses before a decision is made, which does initially downplay the severity of the injury.

After missing Munster’s last two matches with a leg injury, fly-half Jack Crowley finds himself in a similar position to Edogbo, as does winger Shane Daly, who are all in a race to play a Lions side who sit one place above them in the URC ladder.

Unfortunately for Munster fans, there has been no update on Tadhg Beirne (knee), Jean Kleyn (biceps), Tom Farrell (shoulder), Oli Jager (head) and Calvin Nash (hamstring), suggesting they will all miss the match.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Munster

24 - 17

Full-time

Lions

All Stats and Data

Second-row Fineen Wycherley did come through the match against Connacht unscathed following a knee injury, which may prove crucial should Edogbo join fellow locks Beirne and Kleyn on the sidelines.

The meeting with the Lions will be the final match of the weekend, meaning Munster will know what they need heading into the match, but it is not inconceivable that they will need a win to book their place in the play-offs. While there is no ideal time to endure an injury crisis, the business end of the season is the worst.