Iain Henderson may return for latter tournament stages says Ireland coach Joe Schmidt

Ireland outhalf Johnny Sexton is expected to be fit to face England in their Guinness Six Nations opener at the Aviva Stadium.
Scotlands Greig Laidlaw, Italys Sergio Parisse, Irelands Rory Best, Wales Alun Wyn Jones, England's Owen Farrell and France's Guilhem GuiradoScotlands Greig Laidlaw, Italys Sergio Parisse, Irelands Rory Best, Wales Alun Wyn Jones, England's Owen Farrell and France's Guilhem Guirado
Scotlands Greig Laidlaw, Italys Sergio Parisse, Irelands Rory Best, Wales Alun Wyn Jones, England's Owen Farrell and France's Guilhem Guirado

The 33-year-old Sexton has been recovering from a knee tendon problem, but trained earlier this week.

Head coach Joe Schmidt said: “He will train fully on Thursday, and we will then ramp up his training.

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“Our expectation is that he will get through it without any problems. Johnny is confident and the medical staff are confident.”

Schmidt, who revealed that injured second rows Tadhg Beirne (knee) and Iain Henderson (finger) are unlikely to feature until at least the penultimate round of the tournamen.

“Iain Henderson could potentially make the last two weekends,” said Schmidt, which would be good news for Ulster fans as they look towards a European Cup quarter-final against Leinster at the end of March.

Schmidt added: “Tadhg Beirne should possibly make the third weekend, after his knee issue. I feel bad for both of them.”

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Schmidt played down his side’s tag as overwhelming favourites against England.

“I don’t think we are clear favourites,” he added. “The psyche is one of enormous respect. You know if you don’t get things right, England can get a long way away from you.

“They are a team back on an upwards swing, and they will be driven to rebound well from last year’s Six Nations.”