Andy Farrell will operate a hotline to his medics for the next fortnight after naming his squad for the Autumn series.
The Ireland boss announced a 37-man squad today for the November internationals and, with Johnny Sexton again named as captain, Farrell is gambling on a number of frontliners returning to full fitness despite injury lay-offs.
A number of those included are unlikely to be available for the clash with South Africa on November 5.
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For now Iain Henderson, who had knee and hand surgery in the summer, and James Lowe are the marquee names to miss out - along with the suspended Bundee Aki.
Leinster trio Rónan Kelleher, Will Connors and Harry Byrne were ruled out at the start of the week.
