Dislocation.

World Player of the Year Johnny Sexton is facing up to six weeks out injured after he dislocated his thumb while preparing for the World Cup in Japan with Ireland.

According to the Irish Independent, Sexton picked up the injury during Ireland’s first two-week bloc of training for the World Cup that took place between June 16 and 28.

The 33-year-old will not miss the tournament itself, and could be back for Ireland’s first warm-up fixture against Italy, but his absence is sure to disrupt preparations as Ireland enter a crucial training period with the World Cup now just 73 days away.

Meanwhile Joey Carbery, Ross Byrne and Jack Carty have been stepping up to the plate as Ireland gets set to put a public session on at the Sportsground this Friday.