Johnny Sexton will not be rushed early despite Ireland's defeat to Scotland

Ireland are unlikely to risk talismanic fly-half Johnny Sexton for the Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy at Stadio Olimpico.

Sexton, who is recovering from a calf injury was earlier ruled out of Ireland's encounter against Scotland last weekend, which his team lost 27-22 at Murrayfield, leaving Joe Schmidt's men an uphill task of winning the remaining four games in the tournament to have any chance of claiming the championship.

Even though, the 31-year-old is nearing full fitness, Ireland boss might not want to risk the Leinster fly-half, considering they will have stiff contests against England, Wales and France in the last three games of the tournament.

Munster's Ian Keatley has been retained in the squad as a cover to Sexton as confirmed by team manager Paul Dean.

"Johnny is continuing his rehab and his progress will be monitored across the week, but he's back running which is very positive," said Dean.

"As you well know, Johnny would play today if we'd let him but we have to monitor his recovery and make sure he's fine."

Dean also revealed that centre Jared Payne might miss the entire tournament due to a kidney problem.

Another, key figure, who missed the game against Scotland was Peter O'Mahony, who is undergoing a rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

When quizzed on the realistic likelihood of Sexton and O'Mahony facing Italy, Dean continued: "It's hard to tell, but we have to manage them and make sure.

"They'd both play tomorrow, they'd play today. But we just have to make sure that they are ready."

Prop Tadhg Furlong is expected to be fit to face Italy despite a "bruised shoulder", while Donnacha Ryan and Finlay Bealham are both back in full training. Wings Andrew Trimble and Andrew Conway are both expected to overcome groin injuries before the Saturday's clash.

Despite, the defeat in the first game and injury concerns, centre Robbie Henshaw said the team is upbeat about the challenge ahead.

"I think there is a confidence that this team can still win the championship," said Henshaw.

"What this team did last year and in November, it's incredible, it's an incredible group, so I think if we get ourselves together we can go on and contest for a championship.

"The fact we can't afford to slip up, that applies a lot more pressure. We have to go out and win every game, and obviously chase the bonus point if it's there.

"So it applies a lot more pressure to the squad. The squad might not be used to that, but hopefully it can only help us perform and get the bets out of us as a group."

Our 6 Nations cover is sponsored by Allett Mowers