Munster second row Donncha O'Callaghan has been ruled out of Ireland's RBS 6 Nations clash with England at Twickenham on March 6.
OCallaghan limped off during the first half of Sundays 36-15 victory over Wales after straining the medial ligament in his right knee and will not recover in time for the repeat of last seasons Grand Slam decider.
But a scan has revealed the damage is not as bad as first feared and the rookie 24-year-old forward, who has edged veteran lock Malcolm OKelly out of the starting line-up, should be given the all-clear for Italy on March 20.
Ireland coach Eddie OSullivan has added eight players to his squad for training this week - Gavin Duffy, Rob Henderson, Anthony Horgan, John Kelly, Bernard Jackman, Gary Longwell, Matt McCullough and Neil McMillan.
OSullivan will announce his final 22-man squad for the clash on Friday.