Doubts over Johnny Sexton's fitness for Saturday's clash with Italy in Rome have resulted in Joey Carbery earning a recall to the Ireland squad and Rúaidhrí O’Connor joins Sinéad Kissane on today’s Left Wing podcast with the latest.

The Munster out-half, who started in their win over the Ospreys on Friday, returns to the squad for the first time since being sensationally dropped for the Six Nations.

Kieran Treadwell and Scott Penny are also back on board as the growing injury toll hits Andy Farrell’s side.

Ireland play Italy in Rome on Saturday in what will be Andy Farrell’s 35th game in charge of Ireland, that’s including the two Maori games last summer. 

Also, don’t miss tomorrow’s show when Sinéad interviews Stephen Aboud, the IRFU’s former technical director and Italian rugby’s former head of player and coaching development, for his insights into the clash with Italy. 

If you want to get in touch, email your questions and comments to theleftwing@independent.ie, or contact the team on Twitter @SlatteryWill @lukefitz11 @CianTracey1 @SinéadKissane and @RuaidhriOC.

The biggest stories in Irish rugby with our team of writers and experts, including Rúaidhrí O'Connor, Cian Tracey, Will Slattery, Sineád Kissane and Luke Fitzgerald. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, expert opinion and post-match comment we have every position covered.

From in-depth analysis to team news and post-match analysis we have every position covered.

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