Chris Farrell is the latest Ireland backline player to be ruled out of the upcoming November internationals.
His namesake Andy names his squad today for the upcoming Tests with Japan (November 6), New Zealand (November 13) and Argentina (November 21).
Following the news that Ulster full-back Will Addison suffered a leg fracture last weekend, the loss of experienced centre Farrell as he continues to rehab after an abdominal injury is a blow to the Ireland management.
"He's still a few weeks away," said Munster head coach Johann van Graan.
"Our medical team are looking after him pretty well. Unfortunately that's something that's slow and we're going to make sure he's fully fit before he returns to squad training, something that he hasn't done.
"I don't want to put a specific time on it, but we won't see him before the end of November at the earliest. But no specific date on that."
Ireland at least hope to have Robbie Henshaw (foot) and Johnny Sexton (hip flexor) available, if not for the Japan game then to face the All Blacks, although Lions star Henshaw has not played since the series against South Africa.
Andy Farrell will also hope that James Ryan is fully recovered after another head knock last weekend.
Ryan is going through graduate return to play protocols.
Another Leinster man, Will Connors, remains sidelined, but Farrell is spoiled for choice in the back row with Jack Conan now a starting Lion and plenty of experienced options aside.
Henshaw apart, the only returning Irish Lion not to play yet this season is Conor Murray and he is expected to see game time in Wales for Munster.
"He's had a very good off-season break, he's gone through pre-season, and like any other player he's got to train well on the pitch," said van Graan.
"Nobody is guaranteed a spot - whether starting or on the bench. He's got to come through training and then the coach has to pick him."
Farrell has to weigh up the possibility of red-hot Ulster newcomer Nathan Doak coming in as one of his scrum-halves along with Munster's Murray and Craig Casey, while he has interesting choices to make at out-half for the Test squad.
Sexton's Leinster colleague Harry Byrne has recovered from a foot injury and will be in contention with his brother Ross, Ulster's Billy Burns, in-form Jack Carty of Connacht and Munster's Joey Carbery.
Carbery hasn't kicked on as yet this season, but having given away a try late to Connacht on Saturday when Carty blocked down his clearing kick to score, the Athy man slotted over the winning penalty for the Reds.
"If you looked at Joey's reaction when he kicked that kick and how much it meant - it doesn't matter what happens in games," said van Graan.
"You get some high moments and some low moments but certain guys you want to give the ball to when the big kick matters.
"He has taken that and obviously glad for the team, but so glad for him. Joey's a fantastic rugby player and really looking forward to what he brings in the latter part of the season."
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