Munster have lost the services of rising back row star Peter O'Mahony for Sunday's vital Pool 1 clash with the Scarlets at Thomond Park.
The 22-year-old O'Mahony will miss Sunday's return game with Scarlets after sustaining a hairline fracture to his jaw in the 17-14 victory at Parc Y Scarlets last weekend. The injury happened in the first-half and he didn't return after the interval.
An X-Ray confirmed the damage and O'Mahony is set to be out of action for at least a fortnight. A Munster Academy product, he made his Heineken Cup debut in the first round victory over Northampton Saints this season.
He carried off the man of the match award on that occasion and grabbed his first European try in the Round 2 win in Castres. He should be fit to resume in the New Year when the final two rounds of Pool matches are played.
Better news for Munster head coach Tony McGahan is that Ireland and British & Irish Lions utility back Keith Earls is set to return to full training this week and could be included in Sunday's squad. Prop Peter Borlase and back row man Dave O'Callaghan both proved their return to fitness by playing in the Munster A win over Ayr in the British & Irish Cup.