Andy Farrell will look to pair James Ryan with either Tadhg Beirne, Quinn Roux or Ultan Dillane in the Six Nations clash with Italy and France after Iain Henderson was hit with a three-week ban today.
Unless he appeals the suspension, the Ulster skipper will pay the price for his red card late in the province's PRO14 victory over Ospreys last Saturday.
Henderson was dismissed by referee Mike Adamson for a dangerous ruck clear-out and he won't be able to play again until midnight on November 9, which at least means he will be available for the Autumn Nations Cup opener against Wales four days later.
A disciplinary hearing chaired by Andrea Caraci ruled that Henderson had committed a mid-range offence and an initial six-week ban was cut in half due to his clean disciplinary record, co-operation through the process and remorse shown.
Henderson's absence compounds Farrell's second row problems, with young Leinster star Ryan Baird confirmed as a non-starter for the final two games of the championship after suffering an adductor strain last weekend.
Dillane was called in as back-up but it adds to Farrell's absentee issues, with Tadhg Furlong, Keith Earls, Jordan Larmour and Dave Kilcoyne already missing through injury.
Ireland face Italy on Saturday week (October 24) and then France in the final day of the Six Nations on October 31.
