Mick Galwey remains Munster's chief concern for Saturday week's European Cup match against Saracens at Thomond Park. The Shannon second row suffered a deep, two inch gash to his knee while playing for the club against Young Munster on Tuesday and retired after 34 minutes.

Munster team manager Brian O'Brien outlined the progress of the team captain. "He had his bandaging adjusted in the University Hospital today. It's a nasty gash in a difficult area (just below the knee) that doesn't lend itself to healing quickly.

"At this stage we are not saying he won't be fit, but he doesn't have a great deal of time." O'Brien confirmed that Galwey may not have the stitches removed from the wound prior to the Saracens game. Munster's other injury concerns are easing.

Shannon prop John Hayes (back) took part in training yesterday while David Wallace (ankle), Jeremy Staunton (thigh), Peter Clohessy (neck), Anthony Foley (ankle) and John Kelly (shoulder) are all expected to be available for selection.

Australia's World Cup winning skipper John Eales faces up to a month on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a small hernia in Brisbane yesterday. The 29-year-old lock had been troubled by the problem since returning from the World Cup campaign.