Ankle Surgery Means Carbery ‘Won’t Be Back Anytime Soon’

Munster have received disappointing injury news with out-half Joey Carbery, who is rehabbing from his current wrist injury, having to undergo surgery on his ankle.

Carbery attended an ankle specialist last week who advised further surgery. As he is already undergoing rehabilitation for his wrist, it was decided to go ahead with the elective procedure on his ankle.

Commenting on the 24-year-old’s latest setback, Munster defence coach JP Ferreira said: “Joey went in yesterday afternoon for a scan on his wrist and then the medical advice was that while he’s out with his wrist to do this procedure on his ankle.

“The op went well. We obviously don’t have any timeline or anything like that. It has got to settle and then the medics will come back with an update for us. He won’t be back any time soon, definitely not.

“He is still out with the wrist, so I think the biggest thing is they’ll reassess him now after the operation and see how that went, and then how long it will take to recover. Hopefully, it’s in the same timeline as what it was with the wrist and I understand it might be, that’s why he got the op.”

Meanwhile, the Munster squad started their preparations on Monday for this weekend’s vital GUINNESS PRO14 showdown with the Scarlets in Limerick. Tickets are available to buy online here.

Chris Farrell and Jack O’Donogue have been released from the Ireland camp to get game-time, while on the injury front, Niall Scannell and Shane Daly have undergone scans following last Friday’s 28-0 win away to Zebre.

Hooker Scannell, who captained Munster for the first time in Milan, came off after 20 minutes with a leg injury, and versatile back Daly was withdrawn from the starting XV before kick-off due to hip tightness.

Craig Casey, who sustained a hand injury during the second half, had an X-ray which ruled out any fracture and he trained yesterday. Jean Kleyn (neck), Rhys Marshall (knee), Tadhg Beirne (ankle), Brian Scott (foot) and Tyler Bleyendaal (neck) remain on the rehab list.

Speaking about this Saturday’s opponents, Ferreira added: “The Scarlets have always been one of the strongest Welsh sides even now with the internationals out. This game is massive for us. Obviously beat them at the weekend and we put a bit of space between them.

“Taking nothing away from the Southern Kings and Zebre, but the Scarlets are a different kettle of fish. They’re a tough side and have threats all around the park and are not going to lie down this week.”