Luke Fitzgerald could be out for up to six months after rupturing knee ligaments during Ireland’s 20-20 draw against Australia at Croke Park on Sunday. The Leinster will “will require surgical repair and intensive post operative rehabilitation” according to an IRFU statement.
Fitzgerald was helped off the pitch in the second half of the opening autumn international after an "awkward collision" and was replaced by Munster's Keith Earls. He is scheduled to undergo an operation tomorrow.
“Following medical review and scans of his left knee, it has been confirmed that Fitzgerald sustained a ruptured lateral collateral ligament that will require surgical repair and intensive post operative rehabilitation,” read and IRFU statement this evening.
“He is scheduled for surgery at the Sports Surgery Clinic on Tuesday, with a projected recovery period of four to six months.”
The injury rules him out of next year's Six Nations campaign as well as the vast majority of Leinster's season.
His unfortunate departure comes as 14 players are added to the squad ahead of Saturday’s second game against Fiji in the RDS on Saturday (5.15pm).
This includes several players who were involved in the Ireland A win over Tonga such as Andrew Trimble, Shane Horgan, Seán O'Brien, Chris Henry, Devin Toner, Peter Stringer and Kevin McLaughlin.
After some difficulties in the scrum against Australia Brett Wilkinson, Tony Buckley and John Fogarty are also included, but there is no call-up for centre Darren Cave who scored two against the Tongans. Instead, Gordon D'Arcy is among the additions.
The squad relocated to Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, Killiney, today and will train tomorrow in Donnybrook before the team to face Fiji is announced at 1.15pm.
Additions to Ireland squad
Tony Buckley, Gordon D'Arcy, John Fogarty, Chris Henry, Shane Horgan, Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Seán O'Brien, Devin Toner, Andrew Trimble, Brett Wilkinson, Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Peter Stringer.
