Sexton a Six Nations doubt after 'procedure' on cheekbone injury

Johnny Sexton looks set to be a major doubt for the start of the Six Nations after Leinster confirmed the out-half has had "a procedure" on his cheekbone injury.

The Ireland captain clashed heads with Connacht's Jarrad Butler as he attempted to tackle the Australian during the second half of Sunday's 41-12 win at the RDS.

Sexton had a visible mark on his left cheekbone after the incident, and after having a scan on the injury on Monday, the province confirmed he will have an operation to sort the issue.

Leinster say they are yet to determine a potential return date for Sexton, but it puts his participation in the early rounds of the Six Nations into real doubt, with Ireland's opener against Wales on 4 February less than five weeks away.

Should Sexton miss out, Munster pair Joey Carbery and Jack Crowley would be the frontrunners for the matchday squad, while Sexton's Leinster understudy Ross Byrne would also be in contention after a strong start to the season.

The URC leaders will be without Max Deegan and Luke McGrath for Saturday's trip to the Ospreys after both players picked up ankle injuries last week.

Tadhg Furlong and Will Connors will both step up their workloads in training, with Furlong missing the last four games due to an ankle issue, and Connors having been sidelined since October with a bicep injury.

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