Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says Dan Leavy is nearing a return to action, but the flanker won't be involved in Friday night's pre-season meeting with Harlequins at the Aviva Stadium.

Leavy made his return from more than 18 months out with a knee injury last October, but his comeback was cut short after nine games when he underwent a further knee procedure, ending his season.

Cullen said the 27-year-old is making good progress in his recovery, but will not be rushed back to action.

"Dan trained today, so he's making steady progress I’d say," Cullen said.

"It was always going to be a tricky return for Dan. The physios and medics have managed him really really well.

"He’s good, he’s not a million miles away, but we want to be making sure that we’re cautious and doing the right thing by Dan, but he was training today which was good to see him involved in a proper session fully."

Cullen will be without a number of senior players for their only pre-season game, with Andrew Porter (above) nearing the end of his rehabilitation period for the toe injury which led him to miss the Lions tour.

Garry Ringrose is also back in training following shoulder surgery in the summer but has been ruled out of the meeting with the Premiership champions, while Jordan Larmour is still in rehab following surgery on a groin issue.

The big injury of pre-season has fallen to Dave Kearney, however.

The 32-year-old suffered an ankle injury in training and will be sidelined for "the next few months" following surgery.

Nick McCarthy - who recently re-signed from Munster - will have to wait for his second debut following a foot injury, while Ciaran Frawley is nearing a return to play following a lengthy shoulder injury.

In better news for the Pro14 champions, backrow forward Max Deegan is available for selection this Friday after almost 11 months out injured.

The Ireland international suffered an ACL injury last October, but following successful rehabilitation is available for selection.

Jamison Gibson Park, Rhys Ruddock and Conor O'Brien are also fit and available for selection after recovering from injuries.