Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien has been told that he needs surgery on a persistent hip injury.
The surgery is expected to keep the Leinster man out for around 14 weeks, meaning he could miss the start of his club side's Heineken Cup campaign next season, as well as Ireland's November Test matches.
Ireland manager Mick Kearney confirmed that O'Brien will be a doubt for the November internationals following their 60-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand.
"He is going having some keyhole surgery on his hip to repair some cartilage damage," said Kearney.
"It's going to happen within the next week or so and the recovery period for this type of operation is 13 to 15 weeks. It means it could be up to four months.
"Obviously it's going to make him doubtful for the November series."
Ireland kick off their November fixtures against South Africa on the 10th before facing Argentina two weeks later.
Barney Corkhill
