Munster provide injury update ahead of Pro 12 semi final

After picking up injuries against Connacht in the final round of the Pro 12 a week ago, there were fears that Alex Wootton and Player of the Year, Tylor Bleyendaal would be missing due to hamstring and bicep injuries respectively.

However, speaking today Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus has given a positive update on the duo. Erasmus declared that he expects the pair to return to full training this week and play a part against the Welsh outfit this Saturday.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Erasmus was upbeat about Bleyendaal’s recovery.

“I think he’s looking good to be able to play, he’ll be training today. He didn’t train last week.”

Wing Alex Wootton damaged his hamstring but is also well on the road to recovery.

“Alex Wootton, I think he’ll be available to train by Wednesday, so since our last game not too many fresh injuries,” Erasmus said.

Looking back on the season as a whole, Erasmus is happy with Munster’s progress despite exiting Europe at the semi final stage.

“We’re proud the way the season has gone, even though we did fall out in Europe.

“They’re tough games, but if we prepare well and play well we should be in with a decent chance.”

Munster have won both games again the Ospreys in the league this year, dispatching the Welch outfit 33-0 in Cork and edging a close 25-23 victory in Swansea back in February.

Despite this and the fact that no home side has ever lost a semi final in the competition, Erasmus is taking nothing for granted.

“We’re preparing to have a tough, tough battle”

“Maybe you can’t even read into those results where we beat them both times.

“They’ve got a hell of a good team and great individuals and I think the main thing about them is the way they attack.”

While the news on Bleyendaal and Wooton was positive, Ronan O’Mahony (fibula), Robin Copeland (shoulder), Jean Kleyn (neck), Dave Foley (wrist), Sean McCarthy (knee), Mike Sherry (back), Dave O’Callaghan (knee) all remain out.

Munster play the Ospreys this Saturday at 6.15pm in Thomond Park.