Connacht open their European campaign against familiar foes Ospreys on Sunday (3.15pm ), boosted by their solid victory over the South African Sharks at the weekend.
However, Stuart Lancaster’s side head to Wales still without their international star Mack Hansen, who is to undergo surgery this week on the foot injury that ruled him out of the November internationals.
In addition Connacht will be missing captain Cian Prendergast (hamstring ), Peter Dooley (hamstring ), Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder ), Oisin McCormack (hamstring ), Caolin Blade (achilles ), Byron Ralston (knee ), Oisín Dowling (knee ) and Temi Lasisi (knee ).
Connacht forwards coach John Muldoon says Prendergast suffered a "setback" in training last week, which will see him rehabbing for a couple of weeks.
"He’ll be back on the pitch shortly, but he probably needs a break. He's had an unbelievable autumn campaign, the most he's ever played for Ireland consistently. So he probably needs a bit of a rest."
Outhalf Josh Ioane will be further assessed after his withdrawal at the weekend with a groin injury, but hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin (calf ) and David Hawkshaw (head ) are available for selection after missing last week’s win against the Sharks.
Muldoon says the European competition provides the stage for players who have not enjoyed much game time.
"We all know the way the game has gone. We've got 10 games in a row where we can’t play everybody, so it is a good opportunity for us in the Challenge Cup to give some a chance who might need game time. Players who maybe haven't seen the pitch yet this year will be hopeful they will get game time over the next week or two as well."
Despite the unavailability of some key players, Connacht traditionally have welcomed the break from the bread and butter URC competition, but have yet to make a European final.
And one player who will be key for the Galway-based side is Finlay Bealham, who has returned to Dexcom after joining the Lions tour during the summer.
"Delighted for Finlay over the summer, but obviously disappointed he didn't get a test, but to go on a Lion's tour was a great accolade for him.
"We were all very proud of him, and he's looking to get back in as well. He wants to contribute."
Muldoon believes Connacht left victory behind last year when they fell at home to Racing 92 by 40-43 in Galway.
"It’s a competition that, unfortunately last year, we felt we left behind us."
The former Connacht captain who led the province to victory in the PRO 12 believes the competition has always been good for boosting the squad’s confidence.
"We all know what happened in the Racing game. And yes, it was a competition that I think gave us a real shot in the arm last year.
"It gave us real confidence. A lot of those lads are household names now, whereas this time last year, players like Chay Mullins probably wasn't known that well, or Finn Treacy. So yes, it's a competition we enjoy."
Connacht will host Ospreys on Sunday, December 7, and the Black Lions on December 13, followed by trips to Montpellier and Montauban in January 2026.
