O’Connell has not played since Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations defeat to Scotland while versatile back Earls is also suffering with a groin problem.

But although they will not feature in their key Magners League clash with the Ospreys, team manager Shaun Payne believes they will return in time for their trip to France.

He said: “We need them training. They can't go into a game with any preparation at all.

“It's an injury that needs rest and the more you load it the worse it's going to get.

“We'd be confident that both of them will be available, but these are difficult injuries and they are very frustrating for us to have to deal with. There is obviously a situation where there will be a cut-off point.”