Ireland lock James Ryan has suffered a ‘significant; adductor injury, the Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed.
The problem explains why the 24-year-old was not added to the British and Irish Lions squad at the weekend after captain Alun Wyn Jones was ruled out.
Ryan, who missed out on initial selection for this summer’s Lions tour of South Africa, had been tipped for a potential call-up after Jones dislocated his shoulder in Saturday’s warm-up match against Japan.
Instead, Welshman Adam Beard was summoned, with Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray taking over as skipper.
“James Ryan has an adductor issue and will be monitored across the week to determine his availability for the Japan game,” a squad update from the IRFU read.
“Ulster’s Michael Lowry will continue to train with the Ireland squad this week.”