RG Snyman was "really close" to making his playing comeback for Munster - now it could happen against the Lions for South Africa instead.
The Springbok giant has only played seven minutes since his big money move from Japan - his debut in August was ended by an ACL tear.
But Snyman has been struck by another blow - a minor knee problem requires surgery this week.
"He was so close that he was doing defensive hits and coming off it really looking good," said Munster defence coach JP Ferreira.
"He was ready to go and wanted to get on the pitch but look, these things happen.
“It’s not just because of what happened to his knee, sometimes you get niggles off the operation, things like that, so it’s a waiting game.
"I know there’s the Lions tour that’s coming up and then getting him ready for next season, really.
"So if he’s here before the end of the season, awesome.
"If he’s not, we’re going to do everything to get him ready for whatever‘s next on his list.
"If he has to make his return in a Springbok jumper then so be it. If he has to make his return in a Munster jumper, so be it.
“It’s just getting him ready and fit and when he’s ready to go that he knows he can go 110% and not worry about that leg of his.
Ferreira added: “It is tough on him and he knows it is tough on him as well. I have spoken to him, he is hanging in there to the best that he can.
“I think a guy like (Springbok fly-half) Handre Pollard who came back last weekend from a similar injury hasn't made it any easier on him because I know they are good mates. That probably got to him now as well.
“But look, he has got to go through it, he has to hang in there, (we) rather do it this way than getting out on the pitch and playing another seven or nine minutes and getting injured again."
