Munster lock Paul O'Connell has reportedly been considering whether to undergo surgery in order to solve a recurring back injury.

The 33-year-old's season has been hampered due to a disc problem, which forced him out of Northern Ireland's 16-12 defeat to South Africa in their Autumn International campaign last month.

When asked by the Irish Examiner if O'Connell would be available for this weekend's clash against Saracens, Munster head coach Rob Penney said: "I think there's something coming out about him in the next week or so."

O'Connell has made just two appearances for Munster this season.