Joey Carbery is once again facing the prospect of months on the sideline, with Munster confirming he requires surgery.
The out-half sustained a fractured elbow in Sunday's 35-14 win away to Wasps in the Heineken Champions Cup.
Carbery left the field in Coventry with his arm in a makeshift sling, having been on the receiving end of a late challenge from Wasps' Robin Hislop.
Munster confirmed on Tuesday that Carbery suffered an elbow fracture, and will undergo surgery on Thursday (December 16). It leaves the 26-year old in a race to be fit for Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
It's a cruel blow for the no.10, who had been slowly finding his rhythm once more after - seemingly - shaking off the shackles of a previous injury lay-off. He spent more than a year out with a troublesome ankle.
News of the extend of Carbery's injury came on the same day it was confirmed Johann van Graan will be leaving as head coach at the end of this season.
Following the heroics of Coventry, Van Graan must again tap into his reserves for Saturday's meeting with Castres at Thomond Park.
Despite returning from Cape Town at the weekend - and recovering from COVID-19 - the 14 players who travelled back late from South Africa "have been required to undertake an additional period of self-isolation as advised by public health".
However, the 34 players who returned Covid-free have completed their quarantine period and are under consideration for Saturday's game in Limerick.
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