Stuart McCloskey looks set to provide Ulster with a much-needed injury boost ahead of the Christmas Interpro period.
The centre has returned to full training following the groin injury he picked up on duty with Ireland in November, and has been declared fit for Friday's meeting with Leinster at Aviva Stadium.
McCloskey started twice for Ireland during the Quilter Nations Series against New Zealand and Australia, but suffered a groin injury on each occasion.
But the 33-year-old, who missed four games for club and country during his layoff, now looks set to step into the centre for Richie Murphy’s side for their biggest game of the season so far.
In a further boost, the province are also set to welcome back centre Jude Postlethwaite after he missed Saturday’s defeat to Cardiff due to concussion.
The 23-year-old, who scored a try for Ireland XV in their November challenge against Spain in Madrid, suffered the knock during the first half of the Challenge Cup win against Racing 92 earlier this month.
Loosehead prop Callum Reid, who was ruled out of last week’s defeat to Cardiff due to illness, should be available to line out at the Aviva, but former Leinster tighthead Rory McGuire has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury, which will require an MRI scan.
McGuire joins Rob Herring, Iain Henderson and Michael Lowry among those unavailable this week.
