Not the best of timing.

Munster hooker Niall Scannell will miss Ireland’s upcoming November series after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.

Scannell was in line to act as cover for captain Rory Best, but in his absence will likely be replaced by the man he usurped this year in Sean Cronin.

The injury was picked up while playing against Castres in round one of the Champions Cup, and Scannell is now in a race to be fit in time for Munster’s return to Europe in December.

Up next for Munster is Connacht at the Sportsground, with Rhys Marshall likely set to once again fill in for Scannell.