O'Driscoll remains Leinster doubt

RugbyBrian O'Driscoll remains a doubt for Leinster's Heineken European Cup clash with Edinburgh at the RDS on Friday night. The Ireland and Leinster centre damaged an ankle during his side's Magners Celtic League victory over Munster at Musgrave Park on Friday night.

He was forced to retire after 30 minutes and eventually left the ground on crutches. Leinster coach Michael Cheika did not seem unduly concerned in the aftermath, pointing out O'Driscoll had been carrying an ankle knock before the Munster game and the player himself wasn't too bothered by the problem.

O'Driscoll has demonstrated in the past he is a remarkably quick healer and he certainly won't be sidelined out of choice.

A spokesperson for Leinster confirmed a more comprehensive diagnosis would be available when the squad for the Edinburgh game is confirmed today.

He pointed out that there were the few bumps and bruises inevitable after such a physical game but none were considered serious.

Girvan Dempsey, who missed the Munster game with a knee injury, seems likely to have to sit out the European game, but should be available for selection the following week for the return match at Murrayfield.

Munster coach Declan Kidney should have a full squad to choose from - long-term injuries to Paul O'Connell and Alan Quinlan notwithstanding - ahead of Saturday's European Cup game against Llanelli at Stradey Park. The Munster players suffered a few knocks at Musgrave Park but nothing to suggest that any are likely to be sidelined.

Ulster's Steve Williams confirmed that his number eight Roger Wilson is likely to be missing for "a couple of months" after breaking a thumb in the Celtic League defeat by Edinburgh at Ravenhill on Friday.

The Ireland A player was forced to retire during the match.

Williams admitted: "It is a massive blow to lose Roger, especially with Stephen Ferris also out. We made too many stupid individual errors and allowed them to score some soft tries. We imposed ourselves on them in the first 25 minutes and should have scored two or three tries but too many basic errors cost us dearly."

Ulster's European quest resumes with a journey to the Liberty Stadium on Friday night, when they take on the Ospreys.