Leinster's Seán O’Brien looks set to make a playing return for this weekend’s Pro14 interprovincial derby against Ulster, while club captain Isa Naewa is likely to face six weeks on the sidelines.
O’Brien has featured just once for his province this season, 59 minutes against Edinburgh in the Pro14 last month, and missed the weekend’s Champions Cup defeat of Glasgow at Scotstoun, though he was part of the extended squad.
The Lions backrower was part of the extended squad, but is now available for selection for Saturday’s game (kick-off 6.30pm) at Kingspan Stadium after recovering from his calf injury.
Captain Nacewa was withdrawn in the first half of the pool opener against Montpellier with an ankle injury, and after further consultation, the 35-year-old is expected to be out for six weeks.
Barry Daly is also ruled out of contention this weekend after he was substituted in the second half against Galsgow with an ankle injury.
No decision has been made yet on the availability of Josh van der Flier, who also suffered an ankle injury at Scotstoun. He will be assessed throughout the week, while hooker Richardt Strauss also comes into the reckoning for Saturday after a recent knee injury.
Jamie Heaslip is a long-term casualty as he recovers from a lower back injury, while Garry Ringrose isn't expected back in a Leinster shirt until at t least the end of November.
Leinster and Ulster are level on 23 points in Conference B, two points adrift of early leaders Scarlets.
