Caelan Doris: British and Irish Lion hopeful to have ‘procedure’ on shoulder injury

Ireland captain Caelan Doris’ availability for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia is in doubt as Leinster say he will have a “procedure” on a shoulder injury.

The 27-year-old has been touted as a potential Lions captain after taking over as Ireland skipper before last year’s Autumn Nations Series.

Andy Farrell, who appointed Doris as Ireland captain, names his Lions squad on Thursday.

However, Leinster say the back row will have a shoulder procedure this week after being injured in their Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints on Saturday.

Doris scored a try in Leinster’s 37-34 defeat at Aviva Stadium but was forced off with a quarter of the match remaining.

“The full extent of the injury, and implications for the summer, won’t be known until after the procedure,” read a statement from Leinster, who have ruled Doris out of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship game against Zebre.

The Lions take on Argentina in Dublin on 20 June before travelling to Australia. Farrell’s side face the Wallabies in three Tests on 19 July (Brisbane), 26 July (Melbourne) and 2 August (Sydney).