Lions scare as Ireland captain Caelan Doris set for operation on shoulder

Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris is set to undergo a “procedure” on a shoulder injury suffered during the weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Northampton, his club has announced.

The 27-year-old has been touted as a potential British and Irish Lions captain for this summer’s tour of Australia and the Lions head coach, Andy Farrell, is due to name his squad – and captain – for the series on Thursday.

Back-rower Doris, who scored a try in his province’s 37-34 loss to Northampton on Saturday, has been ruled out of next weekend’s United Rugby Championship clash at home to Zebre.

A short update from Leinster read: “Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards.”

Farrell’s Lions begin their three-match Test series against the Wallabies on 19 July in Brisbane before playing in Melbourne a week later and finishing in Sydney on 2 August.

• More details to follow