Ireland international out-half Jonathan Sexton will start for Racing Metro against Northampton in the European Rugby Champions Cup after recovering from a broken jaw.
Sexton sustained the injury in a Top 14 clash with Toulon at the end of August and his return comes slightly ahead of schedule.
The news is a boost to Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt ahead of Ireland's November internationals against South Africa, Georgia and Australia.
Sexton will return to Ireland and Leinster next year after signing a four-year contract to return to the province where he won three European Cup titles.
