Johnny Sexton ruled out of Leinster's Champions Cup game against Northampton Saints

Leinster will miss the services of Ireland international Johnny Sexton in the upcoming Heineken Champions cup game against Northampton Saints at Aviva Stadium following a knee injury.

The 34-year-old sustained the blow during the second half of the game against the Saints at Franklin's Gardens in the previous round and had to undergo a scan.

“He has a bit of strapping on his knee,” said Leinster coach Leo Cullen after the game against the Saints in the previous round which his side went on to win with a 16-43 margin.

“I’m not sure to tell you the truth. He will get a scan tomorrow and we’ll see what sort of extent it is.

“Yeah, he’s a little uncomfortable there at the moment. I don’t know the extent of it, but we’ll find out more in the early part of next week.”

Meanwhile, Leinster hooker Sean Cronin has been declared fit after recovering from a neck injury during Ireland's World Cup campaign.

With three wins from as many games, Leinster hold the top place in Pool 1 of the Champions Cup with 14 points while Northampton are at second in the table with nine points.