Ciarán Frawley will be out of action until into the new year after Leinster revealed he will undergo a knee operation tomorrow.
Frawley was in line for his Test debut in Ireland's Autumn series but twisted his knee in Ireland A's loss to the All Blacks XV at the RDS on the eve of the South Africa game.
The news is an unfortunate break for the versatile backline player who is rated by Ireland boss Andy Farrell, and in his absence Munster's Jack Crowley has stepped into the void to make his Test debut against Fiji last weekend.
READ MORE: Jack Crowley's latest 'pinch me' moment puts him in the frame for Wallabies clash
Frawley is now expected to miss Leinster's Champions Cup pool fixtures either of Christmas, plus the festive URC interpros, and could also miss the 2023 Six Nations campaign.
Another blow for the Blues is the loss of Martin Moloney, the 23-year-old flanker, whose season is over after he injured his ACL against the Scarlets and has had a procedure.
Robbie Henshaw suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury early in Ireland's win over Fiji and has returned to the province to continue his rehab.
There was some good news for Leinster boss Leo Cullen ahead of Friday's friendly clash with Chile, who have qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time.
Harry Byrne (hamstring), Jordan Larmour (foot) and Rónan Kelleher (hamstring) will step up their rehabilitation this week.
Young second row Joe McCarthy has returned to the Ireland squad after he completed return to play protocols.
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