Ireland have thrived under the leadership of new captain Caelan Doris this Six Nations Championship but he looks set to miss out vs Wales next week.
The back-rower has excelled since succeeding Peter O'Mahony as captain and is a strong contender to lead the Lions under Andy Farrell when they tour Australia this summer.
Ireland will fancy their chances of a Six Nations three-peat in 2025, after wins against England and Scotland in the opening two rounds.
Wales, who recently parted ways with head coach Warren Gatland, remain in a serious slump after defeat to Italy but are set to host Ireland in Cardiff next weekend.
Caelan Doris to miss Wales match through injury
However, Doris is now set to miss out on that fixture according to a report by the Irish Independent.
It is claimed that the Mayo man picked up a knee injury in Ireland's victory at Murrayfield last weekend and that he missed out on training as a precaution.
The Blackrock alumnus has remarkably played in Ireland's last 42 Test matches since overcoming concussion problems which ruled him out against England in early 2021.
That streak is set to end, with the 26-year-old said to be in a race to be fit for Ireland's crucial trip to face title rivals France on March 8.
Doris' absence will likely pave the way for Jack Conan back into the starting XV, with his fellow Leinster man impressing from the bench in the opening two rounds despite limited minutes at club level this season.
Peter O'Mahony could return to the role of captain in his absence, while Ryan Baird and Ulster's Cormac Izuchukwu could provide cover from the bench.
