Munster coach Tony McGahan revealed Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery is out for the rest of the season and might be a doubt for the World Cup.
Flannery had already missed the 2011 RBS 6 Nations with a calf injury that has dogged him since he was forced to miss the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour.
On Tuesday, Flannery went under the knife but will be sidelined for a minimum of three months which will give him just enough time to recover before Ireland boss Declan Kidney unveils his World Cup squad on August 22.
But having postponed two comebacks already this season, McGahan says there are no certainties if the 32-year-old can conquer this latest hurdle in his career.
“It is certainly not for me to comment on whether this is the last opportunity for Jerry to work his way back to fitness,” he said. “That will be a medical decision.
“He has had a number of comebacks, there is no disputing that, but whether this is the last opportunity will be up to the medical people, the medical staff from the IRFU and the Munster staff working together.
“Jerry will be given every opportunity and they will see how it goes. The operation was only yesterday. There is a three-month process before he returns to training and playing.
“His time with Munster is certainly finished this season, but it will give him an opportunity to prove himself for selection for the World Cup squad.”
