“I just got a bang in the ribs and there was bruising that rules me out for this week,” he explained.

“I went to Cork University Hospital where they checked me out. Everything was clear, just bruising thankfully nothing serious.

“So I hope to be back in full training and in with a chance of a place for the Treviso game.”

With old favourites Alan Quinlan, Denis Leamy and David Wallace no longer involved, and new signing Seán Dougall looking to earn a starting berth, competition for places is fierce in the Munster back-row.

But while he may be frustrated, O’Donnell isn’t concerned about losing a starting jersey so long as Munster gets the right result and he’s back fighting for his spot for Round 2.

“Well obviously if you train for ten weeks and then miss out with a little bit of an injury is disappointing in that respect but I wouldn't begrudge anyone coming in behind me.

“Once we get a win and I'm back next week I don't mind too much.”

Rob Penney’s term as Munster coach didn’t get off to a brilliant start with an uninspiring victory over Bristol sandwiched between heavy defeats to La Rochelle and London Irish in their three pre-season games.

But O’Donnell insists spirits are high in the camp, pointing out that friendly games are not an accurate measure of where teams are and suggesting that Saturday’s game will provide a better insight.

"There's a very good atmosphere,” he said. “Obviously different personnel bring different views and so far it has been fantastic.

“It's a different kettle of fish. As Rob said earlier, we're playing for keeps now. At the end of the day when you're playing for points, it's totally different, you play harder.

“You can't compare pre-season games with RaboDirect, these are the ones we'll judge ourselves on."