Ireland back row Peter O'Mahony has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with a knee ligament injury.
The 26-year-old Munster flanker was withdrawn 14 minutes into the second half of Sunday's 24-9 win over France after suffering the injury.
Captain Paul O'Connell could also be out for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury.
"Paul O'Connell appears to have suffered a significant hamstring injury and was hospitalised overnight, he's having scans later today to clarify the extent of the injury," team manager Mick Kearney told the Irish Times.
"Peter O'Mahony has suffered a knee ligament injury and is returning to Dublin today for specialist opinion and will take no further part in the tournament. Johnny Sexton suffered a groin injury, initial clinical assessment is encouraging and we await scanning later today.
"After an incredibly physical encounter a host of players are reporting bumps and soreness and will have to be managed, but nothing more serious than that. As soon as we have more clarity on the injury front we will be in a position to make decisions on replacement players."
Ireland face Argentina in the quarter-finals next Sunday.
Steven Toplis
