Munster's Darren Sweetnam faces a significant spell out of action due to injury.
The Cork man suffered a knee injury in the St Stephen's Day home victory over Leinster, and the province have confirmed that the 23 year old will not be available again until at least midway through February.
That means the full-back will miss his team's three European Cup ties this month.
He is expected to be out for a total of six weeks.
Munster face Racing 92 in a rescheduled away match on January 7th before further pool games against Glasgow Warriors seven days later and a home game against Racing on January 21st.
After the squad gathered at UL, Munster confirmed that Tommy O'Donnell's ankle injury sustained against Connacht will continue to be monitored, with a decision to be made on his availability for this weekend's game with Racing 92 later in the week.
The province also had good for Munster fans, with the confirmation that South African Jaco Taute will remain with the province until the end of the season.
The centre along with scrum-half Angus Lloyd have signed deals, keeping them at Thomond Park until June.
Taute has scored three tries in Munster's two European games so far this season.
"Thankfully all parties have successfully come together in permitting us to secure Angus and Jaco for the remainder of the season," Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus told the Munster website.
"We were keen to retain the services of both players as we move on to our next fixtures. With Cathal (Sheridan) continuing to rehab a long-term ankle injury and Conor (Murray) unavailable to us during the international window Angus will bolster our options at scrumhalf.
"Similarly, with Jaco already in the system, having him available as a fullback or centre will be invaluable as our backline options will need to adapt with international commitments and following recent injuries to Alex Wootton, Bill Johnston and Darren Sweetnam."
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