Strauss sidelined for four weeks

More injury woes for Leinster

Ireland hooker Richardt Strauss is the latest Leinster casualty following last Saturday's European Cup clash against Clermont at the Aviva Stadium.

On Sunday afternoon, South African-born Strauss underwent a scan on a medial ligament injury he picked up in the opening moments of the Round Four tie and is expected to be out for approximately four weeks.

Flank Shane Jennings damaged his shoulder against the Pool Five leaders and was replaced by Jordi Murphy in the final quarter.

Jennings will be monitored by the province's medical team and is considered a doubt for Friday's clash with Ulster along with versatile back Isa Nacewa who suffered deep bruising to his arm.

David Kearney, who replaced Nacewa during the second half, returned for the province on Saturday after his recent quad strain.

The inter-provincial encounter with league leaders Ulster could come a week or two too soon for Luke Fitzgerald, who has stepped up his rehabilitation programme this week.

But it is hoped that the Ireland international could return to the frame for either the home game against Connacht at the RDS on Saturday, December 29 or for the Edinburgh match away at Murrayfield the following week.

There was good news for the province with Eoin O'Malley successfully coming through his first outing of the season in the province's 44-13 British and Irish Cup win over Jersey on Sunday afternoon. The centre will potentially come into the frame this week.

In a further fitness boost, hooker Aaron Dundon and flank Dominic Ryan both came through their second successive games for the 'A' team on Sunday after their recent long-term spells on the sidelines.