Rugby:Munster has announced that Paul O'Connell will return to see a specialist in the new year in relation to a lower back complaint that has sidelined him for the past two months.

The Ireland secondrow has not played since the round two Heineken Cup game against Edinburgh at Thomond Park, with Munster today clarifying O’Connell’s situation in light of speculation that he was to undergo surgery for the injury.

The brief Munster statement read: “Paul O'Connell is undergoing treatment for a lower back complaint. His treatment is progressing satisfactorily. He will see a specialist for further review in the new year”.