Ireland have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of taking on Argentina on the weekend.
2009 Lions duo Luke Fitzgerald and Rob Kearney have both been ruled out after picking up injuries in the 38-18 defeat at the hands of New Zealand.
Fitzgerald, who made five appearances during last year's tour of South Africa, will be out of action for at least six weeks with a knee ligament injury while Kearney, who played in all three Tests, is due to undergo exploratory surgery also on a knee injury.
To make matters worst Ulster hooker Rory Best has been sidelined after fracturing a cheek bone, while three more Lions are doubts for the clash with the Pumas.
Lions legend Brian O'Driscoll picked up a shoulder injury while Tommy Bowe and Gordon D'Arcy both suffered calf strains.
All three players face a race to prove their fitness ahead of the clash with Declan Kidney preparing for the prospect of being without his entire first-choice three-quarter line.
