Rob Kearney faces a fitness race ahead of Ireland's Six Nations match with France next week.
The Leinster full-back has impressed in Ireland's opening two matches of the tournament, but an arm injury sustained against Italy on Saturday may halt his participation in the tournament.
Kearney played the 80 minutes in the 63-10 win, and after the match, head coach Joe Schmidt said the 30-year-old needed a scan, but was confident he would be fit for Ireland's first home match of 2017.
Now it looks like Kearney may need to go under the knife to repair the injury. According to the Irish Independent, the Louth native will miss next week's training camp in Monaghan ahead of the French game.
If the Leinster star is to miss out on the February 25th clash, Simon Zebo looks most likely to deputise in his place. Zebo has started both of Ireland's opening Six Nations matches on the wing, but he is also comfortable at full-back.
Of his 30 caps for Ireland, Zebo has worn the number 15 jersey on nine occasions for the team.
Kearney has struggled with injuries in recent years, having only played twice in last year's Six Nations and missing the tour to South Africa. He also played in three of Ireland's Autumn internationals having returned to full fitness.
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