Robbie Henshaw doubtful for Ireland's autumn international series

Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw is a doubtful starter for the upcoming autumn international series after failing to make sufficient recovery from a foot injury.

Henshaw featured in all the three Tests for the British and Irish Lions in the series against South Africa but is currently sidelined with an injury with Leinster head coach Leo Cullen expecting the 28-year-old out of action for the foreseeable future.

“He has an issue with his foot and it’s just been a little slower than we would have thought so it’s unlikely he will play in this block but hopefully he won’t be too far behind after that.

“He’s such a key player, Robbie, for Ireland and Leinster, and I think you saw with the Lions as well. In the past he’s come back reasonably seamlessly off the back of breaks with the various different injuries that he’s had.

He tends to come back in a good place. He’s training away but he’s just not able to play right now. I think once he’s back he’ll be able to go straight back in, whatever team that is with.”

When asked about the possibility of Henshaw featuring in the Ireland squad, Cullen said: “Yeah, good question. Week by week.”

Ireland will be lining up against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina in their autumn international fixtures scheduled to be played on 6th, 13th and 21st November respectively.