Connacht lose flanker Muldoon for six weeks

Ireland international tore calf muscle against Saracens

Connacht’s John Muldoon is helped from the field after tearing a calf muscle in the Heineken Cup game against Saracens at The Sportsground. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Connacht will miss their influential Ireland international backrow John Muldoon for up to six weeks after he tore a calf muscle in last Friday's opening Heineken Cup clash against Saracens.

Pat Lam’s side ran the English Premiership leaders close at The Sportsground, with Owen Farrell’s two second-half penalties proving the difference as Mark McCall’s side claimed a 23-17 victory.

Loosehead prop Brett Wilkinson also left the field in the second half after taking a knock to a quad muscle and is expected to return to training today after being rested from yesterday's session.

Connacht travel to Italy on Thursday for a meeting with Zebre in round two of the competition on Saturday, with winger Matt Healy and prop Ronan Loughney expected to be fit for the game in Parma.

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Prop Nathan White faces another two weeks on the sidelines with a calf strain, while flanker Eoin McKeon will be out for another five weeks with a foot injury.

Centre Dave McSharry and prop Denis Buckley both played the full 80 minutes for the Connacht Eagles in the British and Irish Cup came and will continue to be monitored ahead of Friday's team announcement.