Irish Rugby
Kearney facing Six Nations fitness race
ESPNscrum Staff
November 30, 2010
Ireland fullback Rob Kearney crosses in the corner, Ireland v South Africa, autumn international, Aviva stadium, Dublin, Ireland, November 6, 2010
Rob Kearney is set for at least two months out © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Rob Kearney
Tournaments/Tours: Six Nations | Heineken Cup
Teams: Ireland | Leinster

Ireland fullback Rob Kearney's Six Nations appears to be in doubt after it was confirmed that he needs at least two months to recover from knee surgery.

The 24-year-old British & Irish Lion was injured in Ireland's 38-18 loss to New Zealand at Lansdowne Road on November 20 and went under the knife last week, placing him in doubt for the Six Nations opener against Italy on February 5.

The news will also be a blow to Leinster, who are already missing winger Luke Fitzgerald for forthcoming Heineken Cup fixtures against Clermont Auvergne on December 12 and 18 due to a knee problem.

Meanwhile, a further update on the condition of Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll's jaw is expected on Thursday. The 31-year-old was forced from the field during last weekend's win over Argentina in Dublin, with initial fears raised that he had suffered a fracture.

"Brian is the one guy there is concern over," Ireland boss Declan Kidney told The Irish Independent. "He's going for an X-ray and could have a crack in the jaw, the treatment for which we're not sure yet. If it's just a crack, he might be able to avoid surgery and having a plate inserted; we'll just have to wait and see what the story is there.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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