Munster will be without second row RG Snyman for Saturday's BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Sharks in Durban.
The South African second row has been ruled out of this week's final game of the regular season, after suffering a concussion in the recent win against the Stormers.
The 28-year-old produced his best performance for Munster in Saturday's 26-24 win against the Stormers in Cape Town, his fourth game back, and second start since returning from his long-term knee issue.
Snyman played 65 minutes at the weekend before departing for a head injury assessment, from which he didn't return. And the province say he is currently following the graduated return to play protocols, and will not feature this weekend.
In better news, Diarmuid Barron could be fit to play against the Sharks, with his neck injury not as bad as first feared. The hooker, who scored two tries in their vital win against the Stormers, departed the game with a neck issue in the second half, but Munster say he will return to full training this week, while Dave Kilcoyne is also in line to feature this weekend.
Head coach Graham Rowntree has also had a positive update on flanker John Hodnett, who has returned to full training following a calf injury. However, the 24-year-old won't be featuring against the Sharks, having stayed behind in Limerick to complete his rehab.
Saturday's win in Cape Town has left the province in a relatively healthy position heading into the final week. A win against the Sharks - whom they were beaten 50-35 by in the Champions Cup Round of 16 earlier this month - would guarantee a fifth place finish.
A losing bonus-point would ensure they finish no lower than sixth, which would almost certainly be enough to guarantee qualification for the Champions Cup.
Meanwhile the province have announced the signing of centre Sean O'Brien on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.
From Westmeath, the 24-year-old centre has been playing with the Premiership’s Exeter Chiefs for the past two seasons, having previously played for Connacht.
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