Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy and Declan Fitzpatrick are all facing a race against time for Ulster’s crucial Heineken Cup encounter against Leicester this weekend.
Bowe has been out with a groin injury since early December and although he is close to a return, Ulster coach Mark Anscombe said he would be surprised if it was against Leicester at Welford Road on Saturday, where the winner will top the pool and likely secure a home venue for the quarter-finals.
Craig Gilroy – who, like Bowe was omitted from the 44-man provisional Irish squad for the Six Nations to allow him more time to recover from injury – is also a huge doubt after breaking his nose and suffering from concussion in the victory over Montpellier on Friday, with prop Declan Fitzpatrick also suffering a concussion in the same game.
Both Gilroy and Fitzpatrick will follow the normal return to play protocols for head injuries and a decision about their participation will be made closer to kick-off on Saturday.
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