Mack Hansen set to miss Connacht's crucial Stormers clash

Connacht's hopes of Investec Champions Cup qualification have been dealt a big blow, with Mack Hansen set to miss out on Saturday's must-win BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Stormers (live on RTÉ2).

The Ireland international, who hasn't played since suffering a dislocated shoulder in the province's New Year's Day win over Munster, had been on track to return for last week's trip to Thomond Park before a setback.

And head coach Pete Wilkins has confirmed that this weekend's visit of the Stormers to Galway is also likely to come too soon for the 26-year-old.

"We were hoping [he would be fit], I think it's not going to be this week," Wilkins told RTÉ Sport.

"Mack's on a week-by-week basis really. His shoulder is recovering well but it's just getting through that final hurdle of the contact work he has to do.

"He's being assessed every week, it's very unlikely it'll be Stormers."

The 47-12 defeat to Munster last weekend leaves Connacht ninth in the URC table with two games left to play, first at home to the Stormers, before they travel to Leinster in the final round.

The province are four points back from Benetton, who occupy the final play-off spot, although a top seven finish may be required to secure Champions Cup qualification if the Sharks win the Challenge Cup.

While Hansen is set to miss out on the visit of the fifth-place Stormers, Wilkins is hoping to welcome Santiago Cordero into his side for a debut on Saturday.

The Argentina international suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament just days after starting pre-season training with the province last summer, but the 30-year-old is on track to be involved at the Dexcom Stadium this weekend.

"We're getting a few others back. Santiago Cordero will possibly come