Munster's John Hodnett is facing at least two months on the sidelines following surgery on a finger injury, but Tom Ahern could return for the province's historic 'Clash of the Champions' against New Zealand's Crusaders on Saturday.
Crusaders - the Super Rugby holders - arrive at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork to face reigning URC champs Munster in the inaugural showpiece match.
Graham Rowntree has a few injury concerns, with Hodnett and Simon Zebo [knee] definitely out. Zebo has had an MRI scan and is due to see a specialist next week.
"Match injury, played on with a damaged finger, going to be out for a few weeks at least," Rowntree told RTÉ Sport.
"Maybe we won't see him till March. He damaged his finger, we only x-rayed it after the game.
"Turns out it's not quite right. Early to mid-March at the earliest for John, which is a shame 'cos his form has been excellent."
Ahern spent the night in hospital last week after Northampton hooker Curtis Langdon's knee collided with the Irish lock's head.
He was subsequently forced to withdraw from Ireland's Six Nations training camp in the Algarve, however Ahern may recover in time to feature in the historic match against the New Zealand side.
"I'm not going to rush Tom," said Rowntree.
"He’s following concussion protocols. We’ll assess his availability but I’m not going to mess around. As big a game as this is for the club, I’m not going to mess around. He’s been that important for us."
Scrum-half Paddy Patterson's season is over; he's pencilled in for knee surgery next week.
Rowntree added: "Inevitably, I think they'll do something there. We probably won’t see Paddy for the rest of the season, he’s been desperately unlucky."
While Jack O'Donoghue [knee], Dave Kilcoyne [shoulder], Diarmuid Barron [foot], Jean Kleyn [eye/knee], Liam Coombes [shoulder], Leinster-bound RG Snyman [chest/shoulder] and Roman Salanoa [knee] continue to rehab.
Mike Haley is back in full training this week after overcoming a hip problem, and Cian Hurley (ankle/achilles) is getting closer to a return.
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