Ireland's three out-halves for Autumn series are rested for the last round of URC fixtures before the November Tests but Andy Farrell's worries have already started.
The Ireland boss will at least not have to fret about Leinster duo Johnny Sexton and Harry Byrne, who won't feature against Glasgow in Scotstoun tonight, or Munster's Joey Carbery, who makes way for Jack Crowley at no 10 and with Ben Healy on the bench for the Reds' trip to Ospreys tomorrow night.
Connacht have named their side to face Ulster in the Aviva Stadium late tomorrow afternoon and the westerners have revealed that the absent Bundee Aki is being "monitored for a knee injury", although a statement from the province adds that the centre is expected to return to full training with Ireland next week.
With Robbie Henshaw not named on Wednesday in the 38-strong Ireland squad due to a foot injury - though he will be rehabbing in Farrell's camp - the situation regarding the two Irish Lions is of some concern to the Ireland supremo.
On a more positive note Iain Henderson, another man on Lions duty in the summer, will start his first game of the season as he skippers Ulster at Lansdowne Road.
Robert Baloucoune, who made his Ireland debut in the summer and is included for the November games against Japan, the All Blacks and Argentina, returns to the Ulster side.
So does Stuart McCloskey, who provides back-up for Farrell if he has a gap to fill at centre.
And, Henshaw apart, Conor Murray will be the last of the Irish Lions into action this season.
Murray is on the bench for Munster's challenging encounter in Wales, while Farrell will watch closely as Tadhg Beirne gets a start in the back row.
And the Ireland boss will also be watching Leinster's versatile Ciarán Frawley tonight, given his excellent form having switched from out-half to centre has propelled him into the squad.
Frawley is likely to switch to out-half if Ross Byrne comes off during the game as there are no out-halves named on the bench.
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