O'Driscoll received treatment after pulling up in the 61st minute of Sunday's 19-9 victory over Wales but was not substituted until late in the match.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan had rated his captain as a doubt to face France at Croke Park on Sunday but he could yet feature against the defending champions.

A statement read: 'A scan has confirmed a mild strain to Brian O'Driscoll's right hamstring.

'The injury is not as serious as first feared and he remains in contention for selection against France.

'He will go through a rehabilitation programme with the team's medical staff this week.

'A further medical update regarding the injury will be made on Saturday.'

Peter Stringer, Gordon D'Arcy and Denis Leamy also suffered injuries in the Cardiff opener - but all three could be available for Sunday.

Munster scrum-half Stringer sustained a hairline break to a metacarpal in his right hand - and although he will not be able to train early in the week, he has not been ruled out.

A bulletin on his progress is scheduled for Friday - while D'Arcy, who suffered a groin strain early against Wales, should be given the green light after responding well to treatment.

Denis Leamy, the Munster number eight, has had an abscess incised and drained and will take part in limited training. He is expected to be fit for the Les Bleus showdown.

Earlier in the day, O'Sullivan had defended the decision to allow O'Driscoll to continue playing with his hamstring injury.

Ireland's options had been limited by the knowledge D'Arcy was carrying his groin strain.

O'Sullivan insisted it was imperative to keep his midfield intact until Wales were beaten - but denied he had taken a gamble in allowing the 28-year-old to stay on the pitch.

'I think we managed the situation very well. We were aware of the fact Gordon had developed a groin injury, so both centres were carrying knocks,' he said.

'But Brian was able to function - not at 100 per cent but he was able to function.

'We were watching the whole way through - and when he felt it tightening up more, it was the right time to take him off.

'I felt we managed the situation well - the worst-case scenario would be to take him off early and then have Gordon come off.

'The midfield would have been a mess, so in that context we replaced him at the right time.'

Leinster second row Malcolm O'Kelly has been added to Ireland's squad in preparation for Sunday.

O'Kelly was ruled out of contention against Wales because of a knee injury, and his return will put pressure on starting lock Donncha O'Callaghan and Mick O'Driscoll - who was on the bench in Cardiff.

Bryan Young, Jamie Heaslip, Keith Gleeson, Trevor Hogan, Tommy Bowe, Rob Kearney, Barry Murphy, Kieran Lewis and Eoin Reddan have also been drafted into the squad.

O'Sullivan is due to name his side to face France on Wednesday lunchtime.