Connacht's injury crisis has escalated again this week with loosehead Denis Buckley ruled out for the next two months because of an ankle injury.

Buckley is to undergo surgery on his high ankle sprain tomorrow, after injuring his ankle during Connacht's win over Munster at Thomond Park.

As a result of the injury, Connacht have now de-registered Buckley from their Challenge Cup squad.

Centre Dave McSharry is also definitely out of Sunday's Challenge Cup trip to Newcastle after he picked up a concussion in last weekend's win over the Falcons at the Sportsground.

Bundee Aki, John Muldoon and Ronan Loughney are all nursing niggles and will be monitored this week before a decision is made on their availability for the away game against Newcastle Falcons this weekend.

On a positive note, Craig Ronaldson, Andrew Browne and Eoghan Masterson have all been passed fit, having missed out on the last round of action.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm in Kingston Stadium.