The Connacht back pulled up in training earlier this week and is a doubt for the World Cup opener.
Upon naming his squad for the tournament, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt remarked that his midfield was somewhat “manufactured”.
Schmidt may need to manufacture it some more.
Robbie Henshaw looks set to miss out on Saturday’s game against Canada and his potential replacement at inside centre may give many Irish fans pause for thought.
Schmidt is, according to The Irish Times, considering giving Luke Fitzgerald a start at inside centre.
Fitzgerald was told, earlier this year, by Schmidt that he sees him as a winger. He started on the left wing against Scotland, in August, before partnering Henshaw in the 16-10 home loss to Wales. That day, Fitzgerald wore the No.13 jersey.
If the 28-year-old were selected to partner Jared Payne in the centre, it would make the selection of Darren Cave all the more bizarre.
Cave has extensive knowledge of both midfield positions and was Ireland’s best player in the away win over Wales, in early August.
Elsewhere in the team, Iain Henderson is heavily backed to replace Devin Toner in the second row while Dave Kearney may switch to the right wing as Tommy Bowe is given another week to get up to Test speed.
POSSIBLE IRELAND XV: R Kearney; D Kearney, J Payne, L Fitzgerald, K Earls; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross; I Henderson, P O’Connell (c); P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.
