3 minutes The 27-year-old missed Ireland's 31-7 win over Wales at Dublin's Aviva Stadium last weekend due to a knee injury he picked up during the second round of the competition against Italy at the same location on February 10.
Hugo Keenan has expressed optimism about his chances of being fit for selection as Ireland heads to Twickenham for their fourth-round Six Nations match against England on March 9. The 27-year-old missed Ireland's 31-7 win over Wales at Dublin's Aviva Stadium last weekend due to a knee injury he picked up during the second round of the competition against Italy at the same location on February 10.
Keenan, a standout player for Ireland in recent times with starts in 38 of their last 43 Tests, is currently undergoing rehab for his injury. Despite this, he remains hopeful about making a comeback in the upcoming match against the Red Rose.
"That's the plan, hoping to get back for England. I was sad not to be out there at the weekend. Always tough watching from the stand, but rehab's progressing well," he said.
"I've been worked hard. I've been in rehabbing the last day or two as well while the rest of the squad's been off, so it's always the annoying side of it, you don't really get your days off.
"I'm happy with how it's coming along, and progressing well. No (contact training), not fully quite there but we haven't been in this week.
"We're linking back up together tomorrow (Wednesday), we are going to be based in Energia (Park), then we've got the open training session (at the Aviva Stadium) on Thursday. Not too far off getting fully involved, so looking forward to being back."
With Keenan sidelined for the game against Wales, Ciaran Frawley, also from Leinster, stepped into Ireland's starting lineup as full-back and performed well, contributing to Andy Farrell's squad securing their third consecutive bonus-point win of the Six Nations.
Although Keenan initially spent much of his early Test career as a winger, he quickly established himself as the primary full-back, becoming one of the top players in the international scene in the number 15 jersey.
Keenan was a constant figure in Ireland's Grand Slam victory and their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign. He is resolved to only miss the match against Wales in this year's Championship.
"I suppose the injury happened in the Italy game, and four weeks from that would be the England game," said Keenan. "I was trying to get back for the Wales match. It was just a week or two too early.
"We sort of treated it – since we've known I'd be out – as a four-week injury. There was no point rushing me straight back into something I'm not ready for.
"So, I'm hoping to build up the load over the next 10 or so days leading up to it to get right for that one. You don't enjoy the time on the sideline, but hopefully, it will be a case where I just miss one.
"It wouldn't have been the worst timing because maybe sometimes a four-week injury in the middle of a Six Nations you miss three games rather than just one. Hopefully, I'm getting lucky with that."
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