Ireland out-half Johnny Sexton is likely to sit out the opening two Six Nations games with Scotland and Wales because of a knee injury.
Independent.ie are reporting that the Leinster skipper suffered a medial ligament tear during Saturday's European Champions Cup win over Northampton at Franklin's Gardens.
Sexton is estimated to be out for between 8 and 10 weeks, which would see him on the sidelines for the opener with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday February 1st and the visit of Wales to Dublin seven days later.
It means Ross Byrne will step up against Northampton at Lansdowne Road this weekend. Byrne could also be in line to be a part of the Six Nations frame as Joey Carbery is yet to return for Munster because of an ankle problem.
Munster are hopeful Carbery will feature over Christmas.
It's wretched luck for 2018 World Player of the Year Sexton, who suffered the bitter disappointment of being on the front line during Ireland's World Cup failure.
If the diagnosis is correct, he may wear the green jersey again for Ireland's showdown with England at Twickenham on February 23rd.
Meanwhile, Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher is due to be an absentee for the visit of Northampton at the weekend.
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