Ireland prop Cian Healy is a doubt for the opening match of his side's Six Nations title defence having undergone a minor operation on his knee.

Healy was recently handed a two-week suspension for club side Leinster and has decided to use that time to have surgery on his troublesome knee injury.

The procedure is expected to keep him out for between three to four weeks, putting his participation in the Six Nations opener with Wales on February 7 in doubt.

"Cian Healy underwent a scope and clear-out of his right knee yesterday afternoon," read a statement from Leinster.

"This was an elective procedure, and while we are still waiting for the report, it is expected that he will be out for three to four weeks."

Ireland are bidding to win the championship three years in a row for the first time ever.