Munster’s Keith Earls out for up to four months

Keith Earls will undergo surgery on his right knee this afternoon following a consultation with a specialist in London yesterday.

He is the latest Irish international who would be available to national coach Joe Schmidt for the upcoming November test series, a list that includes Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Dan Tuohy, Donnacha Ryan and Dave Kearney.

Earls who sustained an injury to his patellar tendon over the summer has been unable to recover through conservative rehabilitation and after meeting with the surgeon it was confirmed that he required surgery. The winger is expected to be sidelined for three to four months.

In other player news Paddy Butler, who was replaced after 76 minutes on Saturday night against Ospreys, sustained a concussion and is following the graduated return to play protocol.

Ryan's surgery on his foot has been scheduled for Thursday, while Johnny Holland is still following the rehabilitation process after his shoulder collision in the Zebre game.

Peter O'Mahony (shoulder) continues to progress well with his rehab and has been introduced to limited contact training this week and there is good news also for Damien Varley (foot) as he follows a modified training programme.

Dave O'Callaghan (knee), Niall Scannell (wrist) and Mike Sherry (shoulder) are all progressing with their respective injuries.