Ulster captain Rory Best received results of a scan today which confirmed he has sprained his right ankle ligaments and will be sidelined for up to four weeks.
it is hoped the Ulster and Ireland hooker will still recover in time for the start of the 6 Nations Championship in February as the scan showed no further bony or structural damage to his ankle.
The news is a further dent on Ulster's disastrous season thus far after picking up the injury in the 29-0 defeat to Leinster at the RDS.
Best's brother, Simon, has had his career was put on ice after he collapsed while in France with the Irish World Cup squad.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan is expected to announce an extended Ireland squad on January 14th.
Ulster's next game is against Munster at Ravenhill this Friday (January 4th).
