Munster's early season Pro12 campaign has been dealt a massive blow with All Blacks centre Francis Saili ruled out for up to four months because of a shoulder injury.
Saili initially suffered the injury in the latter part of last season and had just resumed light skills work with the squad recently.
However, he will now hope to return to the pitch before Christmas, but will miss the opening months of the Pro12 as well as the first two rounds of the Champions Cup.
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said it was a significant setback for the side, who will take to the field for their first pre-season game of the year against Zebre this Friday in Waterford.
“We got a setback with his shoulder. He went in for a scope yesterday but there was some more repair work needed. It’s going to be an extended lay-off. It wasn’t great news but it is what it is,” said Erasmus.
Meanwhile, captain Peter O'Mahony continues to be absent due to the knee injury he suffered in last year's World Cup, while none of the players that toured for Ireland in South Africa will be available to Erasmus for the clash with Zebre.
