IT SEEMS A long time since we last saw Keith Earls jinking past defenders on a rugby pitch but there was a bit of good news on that front today with the news that Earls is expected to be back in action at the start of February.

Earls sustained a knee injury over the summer that required surgery in October and was expected to be out for about four months.

Munster fans will be eager to see Earls back in action, because the thought of a Hanrahan/Earls centre combination is pretty mouth-watering.
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“Keith is flying and he was running on grass yesterday,” Munster attack coach Brian Walsh said to Live 95fm.

“We are hopeful to have him back in early February I would say.”

The positive news on Earls was tempered by the fact that prop Dave Kilcoyne has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks after hurting his knee in the home game against Clermont.

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With Ireland’s 6 Nations opener against Italy on 7 February, the loosehead is now a major doubt to feature.

Meanwhile, hooker Mike Sherry had to undergo further shoulder surgery after complications arose from his first procedure.

“The last operation didn’t take properly,” Walsh said.

Also on the long-term injury list is wing Gerhard van den Heever, who suffered cruciate ligament damage to his right knee in Munster’s round 3 Champions Cup game against Clermont. He is expected to be out for a substantial period of time.

Adding to Munster’s injury woes at hooker is Damian Varley, who is recovering from a foot injury.

Walsh talked about the painful rehab process that Varley has to go through.

“Damian is rehabbing away but it is longer term,” Walsh said.

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