Sexton a Six Nations doubt?

INJURY UPDATE: Ireland could be without star flyhalf Johnny Sexton during their Six Nations campaign.

Leinster confirmed the news that Sexton will not be available for this weekend’s Champions Cup game against Northampton Saints due to a knee injury.

Sexton was forced to leave during Leinster’s 43-16 win at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday after falling awkwardly while being tackled.

The province have confirmed that the 34-year-old will see a specialist on Monday for a further scan on his knee.

The news will come as a concern for new Ireland head coach Andy Farrell, with the Six Nations just eight weeks away.

Farrell will take his first training camp as Ireland boss later this month, and Sexton’s fitness will be a chief concern, with Farrell also without the on-field experience of the recently retired Rory Best.

Joe Schmidt’s successor is in danger of being left light on flyhalf options, with Joey Carbery yet to feature for Munster this season having returned from the World Cup with an ankle problem.

Meanwhile, Leinster also confirmed that Joe Tomane will be out of action for six to eight weeks following a re-occurrence of a hamstring injury, and Rory O’Loughlin will also miss out at the Aviva Stadium this weekend as he rehabs a shoulder problem.

James Ryan is going through the Graduated Return to Play protocols after being removed during Saturday’s defeat of Northampton with a head injury.