IAN KEATLEY AND Francis Saili are each facing a spell on the sidelines after Munster confirmed today that both players sprained knee ligaments during the win against Cardiff Blues.

Keatley exited after 21 minutes of the 13-23 Guinness Pro12 win in Wales, while Saili — who replaced the Ireland out-half — was forced to make way for Dan Goggin with two minutes remaining.

According to an injury update issued by Munster this morning, Keatley sprained his posterior cruciate knee ligament. Saili suffered a collateral ligament sprain. Having undergone scans, the pair have commenced their rehabilitation.

Munster don’t return to action until the 25 March trip to face Zebre, but the province say that Keatley and Saili are currently unavailable for selection — although definitive timelines on their absences haven’t been given.

The news is another blow for Saili. While Jaco Taute excelled in Munster’s midfield, the Kiwi centre missed the first four months of the season due to a shoulder injury. As things stand, both Saili and Keatley are out of contract in the summer.

Three weeks from tomorrow, Munster face Toulouse at Thomond Park in the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup.