Keith Wood's recovery from a torn calf muscle sustained before Christmas is not happening as quickly as had been forecast and a frustrated Irish captain yesterday admitted that his participation in the Six Nations opener against Wales at Lansdowne Road on February 3rd is now in doubt
"I'm frustrated with it, I'm very frustrated with it," admitted Wood yesterday. "I was hoping to play maybe 20 minutes last weekend and to try and play this weekend as well, but that's looking increasingly unlikely."
The Irish captain stopped short of ruling out his availability for the Welsh game, but admitted: "Not at this stage but I think I would definitely have to play against Northampton next week. I think that would only be fair to all concerned."
Wood is awaiting another scan on his torn calf muscle, and after a few weeks rest is now undergoing intensive physiotherapy. He has been working in the pool and is back jogging but, after four weeks' absence, is obviously lacking match sharpness.
"It's a bit of a concern at this stage," admitted Eddie O'Sullivan, "because it's extremely unlikely that he would play at the weekend which was his target for a comeback."
Shane Horgan (damaged ribs) looks particularly doubtful for the start of the Six Nations campaign, O'Sullivan admitted, as is Kieron Dawson.
The London Irish openside aggravated knee cartilage wear and tear in early December, and playing on it ever since hasn't helped. He is awaiting the outcome of a scan today but doesn't sound too optimistic about avoiding either a lay-off or an operation. Were he to be sidelined just before the start of the Six Nations "this would be the third time in four years," such a fate has befallen him.
Brian O'Meara (damaged knee ligaments) looks like being ruled out of the equation for the opening round of senior and A games in the championship while Victor Costello (knee) is also a worry.
On the positive side, Peter Stringer has resumed light training without any reaction and says his heel feels fine. He hopes to resumes full training with Munster next week, though it's too early to say if he'll achieve his stated comeback target of the European Cup quarter-final.
To these injuries could be added: Reggie Corrigan (ankle ligaments), Anthony Horgan (damaged shoulder improving) and Malcolm O'Kelly (damaged cheekbone/eye socket) while others such as David Humphreys and Peter Clohessy were resting ankle and back strains yesterday.
Against all of that, at least John Hayes, David Wallace and Rob Henderson were back training, while Ben Willis and Simon Best were additional call-ups.
