Ireland’s Six Nations build-up has suffered another blow, with Hugo Keenan now racing the clock to be fit for the opener against France in Paris next Thursday.

The fullback injured his thumb during a pre-tournament training camp in Portugal, Irish Rugby confirmed, leaving head coach Andy Farrell facing fresh uncertainty in his backline selections.

Keenan has not played since starting and completing all three Tests in the British & Irish Lions’ 2-1 series win over Australia, after which he required surgery on a pre-existing hip injury. The 29-year-old had only recently returned to the Ireland squad and was targeting the No 15 jersey for the high-stakes clash with Les Bleus.

MORE: Six Nations changes for Ireland, France

If Keenan fails to recover in time, Farrell may be forced to reshuffle. Jacob Stockdale is an option, although his last Test start at fullback came more than five years ago, while Ciaran Frawley, Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast have all covered the position previously.

The selection picture could ease slightly if Jamie Osborne and Robert Baloucoune overcome their respective knocks. Osborne started at fullback in Ireland’s opening two autumn Tests against New Zealand and Japan, before being replaced by Mack Hansen.

Hansen went on to earn Man of the Match honours after scoring a hat-trick against the Wallabies and then finished the campaign at fullback against the Springboks. However, the Connacht back is unavailable for the Six Nations, and possibly the rest of the season, due to a foot injury.

ALSO: Aki to miss key Six Nations clashes after ban

Keenan’s injury concern compounds Ireland’s problems in the backs, with Bundee Aki already ruled out of the France clash following disciplinary action by the IRFU.

Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images