Ireland international Jack Conan will miss next year's Six Nations after Leinster confirmed he had surgery on a foot injury last week.
The Ireland and Leinster number 8 was forced out of the Rugby World Cup after suffering the injury in the lead up to the second pool game against Japan.
A Leinster statement read:"Jack Conan underwent a procedure last week and will be out of contention for up to six months."
The Province also gave an update on Sean Cronin, who also had to leave the World Cup early with neck injury.
"Seán Cronin will be further assessed this week but will not be available for selection in Italy."
Leinster travel to Zebre in the Pro14 on Saturday afternoon.
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