Munster senior coach Stephen Larkham fears they could be without RG Snyman for anywhere up to a year depending on his rehabilitation.
Snyman met with a surgeon last night ahead of a procedure on a cruciate ligament injury sustained in the Guinness Pro14 tie with Leinster last weekend.
Larkham expects the South African to be out for a minimum of six months, and possibly up to a year, depending on his recovery.
He confirmed Munster will not be looking for replacements in the short term for Joey Carbery and Snyman.
On an otherwise tough week on injury front, Tadhg Beirne is set to be available for selection against Connacht this weekend.
Beirne could make his first appearance since last December in the rescheduled Pro14 game.
