Simon Danielli faces a long lay-off after suffering knee damage

Ulster have suffered a major injury blow with the news that Simon Danielli will be out of action for three months because of a knee injury.

The Scottish wing tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a freak incident during training.

Danielli, who does not require surgery for the grade two tear, is likely to miss the Heineken Cup matches against Stade Francais and NEC Harlequins.

He is also expected to be sidelined for the opening seven Magners League games.