Ulster loose forward Marcell Coetzee has been ruled out of his side's PRO14 encounter against Zebre in Parma this weekend.
The South African missed Ulster's victories over Scarlets and Dragons due a knee problem. Ulster scrum coach Aaron Dundon confirmed the Springbok won't be ready for the Zebre clash.
"He's still got a slight problem with his knee but hopefully he will be back in the picture next week," Dundon told the Belfast Telegraph.
Ulster expects fellow South African loose forward Jean Deysel to return from an eye injury. Christian Leali'ifano and John Cooney should return from rest periods, while Luke Marshall also returns.
Ulster are adamant that Coetzee's knock won't be as bad as previous injuries.
"It's a tough one with Marcell," said Dundon. "It's week by week management of it. Honestly, I don't think he's far away. He trained last week and he got through it pretty well.
"We've got four big games coming up so we've got to be sure we get him fit for those games."
Jared Payne will not face Zebre either but Dundon hopes he will be ready for their clash with Connacht on Friday, October 6.
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