Leinster face nervy wait on Van der Flier

INJURY UPDATE: The Champions Cup favourites Leinster is hoping for some good news ahead of their semifinal clash against Toulouse on Saturday.

The World Rugby player of the year Josh van der Flier is a major doubt for the clash in Dublin.

Van Der Flier has been on the sidelines after he suffered an ankle injury during Leinster’s Champions Cup match against Ulster in Round 16 four weeks ago.

Leinster revealed the star forward will step up his rehabilitation this week and a final decision will be made on his availability later in the week.

There are also doubts over Ryan Baird and centre Charlie Ngatai.

Baird suffered a shoulder injury in the quarterfinal win against Leicester Tigers, while Ngatai has been out of action since January with a hamstring injury.

Similar to Van der Flier, Leinster said that a final call regarding their availability will be made later this week.

There is some bad news in terms of the James Lowe injury.

Leinster revealed that James Lowe will definitely miss this Saturday’s semifinal.

Lowe picked up a calf injury during the quarterfinal win over Leicester Tigers.

The wing joins Leinster captain Johnny Sexton [groin], Jamie Osborne [knee], Rónan Kelleher [shoulder], Joe McCarthy [ankle], and Martin Moloney [knee] on Leinster’s longer-term injury list.