Connacht's hopes of Investec Champions Cup qualification have been dealt a big blow, with Mack Hansen set to miss out on Saturday's must-win BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Stormers (live on RTÉ2).
The Ireland international, who hasn't played since suffering a dislocated shoulder in the province's New Year's Day win over Munster, had been on track to return for last week's trip to Thomond Park before a setback.
And head coach Pete Wilkins has confirmed that this weekend's visit of the Stormers to Galway is also likely to come too soon for the 26-year-old.
"We were hoping [he would be fit], I think it's not going to be this week," Wilkins told RTÉ Sport.
"Mack's on a week-by-week basis really. His shoulder is recovering well but it's just getting through that final hurdle of the contact work he has to do.
"He's being assessed every week, it's very unlikely it'll be Stormers."
The 47-12 defeat to Munster last weekend leaves Connacht ninth in the URC table with two games left to play, first at home to the Stormers, before they travel to Leinster in the final round.
The province are four points back from Benetton, who occupy the final play-off spot, although a top seven finish may be required to secure Champions Cup qualification if the Sharks win the Challenge Cup.
While Hansen is set to miss out on the visit of the fifth-place Stormers, Wilkins is hoping to welcome Santiago Cordero into his side for a debut on Saturday.
The Argentina international suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament just days after starting pre-season training with the province last summer, but the 30-year-old is on track to be involved at the Dexcom Stadium this weekend.
"We're getting a few others back. Santiago Cordero will possibly come into the frame this week.
"He's making terrific progress so we'll monitor him this week, and if we can get him back that would be excellent before the end of the season.
"Matthew Devine took a heavy blow to the ribs, left the field early against Munster, which puts him in doubt. There's a few moving parts in the backs at the moment, but we'll have full faith in the guys available when the time comes," Wilkins added.
Watch Connacht v Stormers in the URC on Saturday from 4.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow live score updates on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to updates on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
