Concern in Leinster: Caelan Doris doubtful for Lions due to injury
Leinster coach Jacques Nienaber expressed his concern about Caelan Doris’s shoulder injury, which could be “serious.” This situation puts the player’s participation in the next British & Irish Lions team at risk.
Doris, 27, was considered a strong candidate to captain the Lions on their tour of Australia, along with England’s Maro Itoje. However, an injury forced Doris to leave the field during the Champions Cup semi-final, where Leinster was defeated by Northampton.
Leinster confirmed that Doris will need surgery, which will be performed between Tuesday and Wednesday. This generates uncertainty about his physical condition and his availability for the announcement of the Lions team, scheduled for Thursday.
He consulted a specialist and I think there is more research to be done. Let’s cross our fingers that it’s not as serious as we think.
Jacques Nienaber, Leinster coach
Nienaber added that, in his perception, the injury could be serious, as Doris rarely leaves the field due to injury. Recovery could take four to six weeks if there is no structural damage, but could extend to six months if there were.
If the recovery were four weeks, Doris would miss the rest of the season with Leinster, but would be available for the first Lions match against Argentina on June 20. Any complications or structural damage would rule him out of the tour.
This situation would be a hard blow for Doris, who already missed the Lions’ last tour due to a concussion and was considered a sure starter for this summer’s tour. The shoulder injury puts his participation in jeopardy and makes Itoje the favorite to captain the Lions against the Wallabies.
