The hamstring injury suffered by Rhys Ruddock in Champions Cup action at the weekend could keep the Leinster flanker sidelined for the rest of the season.
The Ireland international was replaced by Josh van der Flier in 18-8 win away to Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, assisted from the pitch by medical staff.
According to the Irish Independent, it is believed the 27-year-old suffered a Grade-3 hamstring tear which is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Leinster have deregistered the flanker from their Champions Cup squad, with James Lowe taking his place.
In a blow for both Leinster and Ireland, Ruddock looks highly likely to miss the upcoming Six Nations.
"It's not great. It's a hamstring injury. He's not going to be involved this week or the next week or the next week," forward coach John Fogarty said today.
"He's going to see a specialist, which isn't a great sign either, this week and the time-frame will become clearer then.
"It's a tough blow for us. He was very important for Ireland in November and obviously for us, when you play a team like Exeter, you need big bodies.
"His footwork at the line, his ability to go forward against a very good defensive side, has been very important for us and we'll sorely miss him."
Van der Flier is the most likely replacement for Saturday’s return leg against the Chiefs at the Aviva Stadium, with Dan Leavy and Jordi Murphy also in contention.
