Munster's Anthony Foley will be out of action until the New Year following scans on a shoulder injury sustained in the Heineken Cup win over Gloucester on Sunday.

The number eight was replaced by Alan Quinlan in the 51st minute at Welford Road after taking a "heavy knock on his shoulder", according a Munster spokesperson.

Foley was not inlcuded in this afternoon's Ireland squad for the Autumn internationals, though the official line from the Ireland camp was that it had nothing to do with the injury.

Munster hooker Jerry Flannery is still suffering from a shoulder injury and was not considered for Eddie O'Sullivan's squad.

Munster, who face Bourgoin on Saturday, have a ready made replacement in the shape of Quinlan.