Connacht will be without Ireland winger Matt Healy for this weekend’s derby against Ulster after fracturing his hand in their win over Edinburgh.
Healy, last season’s joint-top try scorer in the Pro12, will see a specialist this week to determine the length of his recovery.
Hooker Tom McCartney (hamstring) and prop Denis Buckley (knee) were also both injured during Connacht’s first win of the season and are unavailable for Friday night’s tie at the Sportsground (7.35pm).
Meanwhile, Pat Lam's panel has been boosted by the news that Academy graduates Sean O'Brien, James Connolly, Peter Robb and Caolin Blade have signed on until the summer of 2018, while 22-year-old Ukrainian-born prop Ivan Soroka has joined for the season.
Elsewhere, Leinster are also likely to be without two international backs for their showdown with Munster on Saturday (Aviva Stadium, 2.05pm).
Fergus McFadden (quad) is out, while Dave Kearney (ankle) is “unlikely to be available”, according to a medical update from Leo Cullen’s side.
Second row Mike McCarthy has a “bone stress response” in his foot but has not been ruled out of contention.
Full-back Rob Kearney and centre Robbie Henshaw have stepped up their rehab programmes.
Ireland play the first of their autumn internationals against New Zealand in Chicago on 5 November.
