Munster were trying to keep their hat on this as long as they possibly could.
Conor Murray’s “stinger”, sustained against Wales on March 10, is having increasingly crap ramifications.
Having attempted to play on under duress, the power never returned to Murray’s arm and he was withdrawn from the fray. He has not played since.
Worryingly, the power has yet to return.
Following Wednesday’s Lions squad announcement, head coach Warren Gatland was asked about Murray and started off by ruling the scrum-half out of Munster’s Champions Cup semi-final with Saracens.
“It is a concern,” Gatland told reporters.
“He’s got a nerve issue. I spoke to the doctor yesterday. He was hoping to be fit this week. He had a setback a couple of weeks ago.
“He’s going to need to play before he gets on the plane. That’s going to be important for us. I would be reluctant to take someone to New Zealand with a neck injury who hasn’t played. His last game was against Wales.”
Gatland did offer a ray of hope for fans of Murray, Munster, Ireland…. and the Lions.
“He’s incredibly fit. It’s causing him a bit of discomfort and a bit of weakness in his arm, and hopefully he’s going to be right in a couple of weeks – the neurologist is confident he’s going to be okay.
“He’s had some disc problems in the past, but that’s not what’s causing the issue. It’s some nerve problem that he’s got.
“Look, it’s a concern, because he is a quality player. He’s disappointed himself. Hopefully he’s going to be right in a couple of weeks and get one or two games under his belt.”
Buzz. Kill.
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