PAUL O’CONNELL WILL definitely miss Ireland’s upcoming Guinness Series test against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.

The Munster second row was not fit to play any part in the defeat to South Africa on Saturday and his back injury is set to keep him out of action for a number of weeks yet.

The IRFU have confirmed that there is no fixed date for O’Connell’s return and he has returned to Munster, meaning he will not be available to Declan Kidney when the Pumas visit in two weeks’ time.

Stephen Ferris will also miss the clash against Argentina as he continues to receive treatment on his damaged ankle.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury in Ulster’s recent PRO12 win over Edinburgh, and could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Eoin Reddan has emerged as a serious doubt for next weekend’s Wolfhounds clash against Fiji at Thomond Park, after he sustained a bruised ankle against the Springboks.

Reddan had come on as a second half replacement for Conor Murray.

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