Connacht's injury crisis appears to be easing somewhat, but centre Tom Farrell could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Farrell’s hopes of featuring in the Six Nations have taken a blow after suffering a minor fracture in his scapula. Although the fractured shoulder is not as serious as first thought, he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
The 26-year-old was a try scorer against Toulouse in last weekend’s 32-17 Heineken Champions Cup defeat, his third try in six outings this season.
Head coach Andy Friend however does have a number of returning players available for selection this weekend.
Half a dozen members of the first-team squad - Friend was without 16 players for the trip to Toulouse – are available for the Pro 14 clash with Southern Kings at the Sportsground on Saturday.
Captain Jarrad Butler, Bundee Aki, Denis Buckley, Eoin McKeon, Niyi Adeolokun and Rory Burke are all back available for this weekend.
Darragh Leader is suffering from a calf issue, while scrum-half Kieran Marmion isn’t expected to return until the back-to-back European fixtures with Gloucester.
