Ireland second row Paul O'Connell's chances of playing in this year's Six Nations are diminishing, according to Munster coach Alan Gaffney.
O'Connell broke his thumb during Munster's Celtic League semi-final victory over Ulster in Limerick last Friday and underwent surgery at the weekend.
The initial diagnosis was that he would be out of action for five to six weeks, but Gaffney expects a longer lay-off.
He said: "It now looks like six to eight weeks out for Paul. He'll be in a cast for five weeks and they're saying at the moment that there'll be no playing for three weeks thereafter.
"So we've got to play it by ear and see how things are. It's not going to affect us as such, but it will affect Paul's chances of playing in the Six Nations. Obviously, he would to get into as much of that as he can".
O'Connell, who burst onto the international scene in his first season as a professional 12 months ago, has seen his fledgling Ireland career hit by injuries and illnesses.
He was concussed on his debut against Wales, having scored a try, and missed the autumn international wins over Australia, Fiji and Argentina due to back surgery during the summer.
PA