Connacht and Ireland striker Mac Hansen has been ruled out for five weeks with an ankle injury.
Hansen missed Connacht's matches in South Africa against the Stormers and Lions and will also miss the final two URC games against Edinburgh and Zebra.
The injury could not come at a worse time for Hansen, who is hoping to be included in the British and Irish Lions squad when Andy Farrell announces his squad on Thursday.
Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris also looks a doubt after Leinster confirmed he will undergo shoulder surgery following Saturday's defeat to Northampton.
There is more positive news for Connacht as Bundee Aki returns from injury which kept him out of action in South Africa.
Other potential starters include Seamus Hurley-Langton, Caolin Blade, Denis Buckley and Sean O'Brien, who returns from a lengthy recovery from a hamstring injury.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
