Leinster have received a boost ahead of Saturday's BKT URC derby against Ulster with Ireland internationals James Ryan and Hugo Keenan expected to train fully this week.
Lock Ryan has been out of action since arm surgery following a training ground injury when on Ireland duty during the Six Nations, while full-back Keenan has been rehabbing a hip injury.
However, Garry Ringrose is to be further assessed for a shoulder injury before a decision will be made on his availability. He last played in March.
"James Ryan and Hugo Keenan are expected to return to full training this week ahead of the game against Ulster this weekend," said the province, who will take on Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup final on Saturday week in London.
"Yeah, it was awesome," assistant coach Andrew Goodman told RTÉ Sport about Ryan's return.
"He's built well through his injury and to have him on the field was a big lift for everyone on a wet Monday.
"We got through some good detail there and it set us up for a good weekend ahead.
"Hugo's done well over the last few weeks, getting to increase his load and he’s back in amongst the training, which is great.
"To have guys who have worked so hard off the field to come back in provides everyone with a good lift."
Goodman suggested that the duo would likely need to see some action in the derby to come into consideration for the European final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 25 May (2.45pm, live on RTÉ).
"Yeah, obviously they both need to be playing rugby to be considered," he said.
"We need to see how they get through the training week, first and foremost.
"We've got some selection decisions to make in terms of those boys coming back. It’s great to have competition and depth in key positions."
On Ringrose (above), Goodman admitted the 29-year-old's rehab had been trickier.
"It's one of those ones that’s day to day," said the New Zealander, who will join the Ireland set-up at the end of the season.
"It’s frustrating for Garry, frustrating for everybody really because he gets through a little bit, maybe a step back and it’s one of those ones, assess it day to day and we’ll see how he tracks over this week."
Meanwhile, flanker Will Connors is expected to return to full training this week having been a late withdrawal from the team that beat Ospreys at the weekend as a precaution.
Back Liam Turner picked up an arm injury last week at training and will not be available for selection this week.
Lee Barron picked up a shoulder injury in South Africa and had a procedure last week which will rule the hooker out for the remainder of the season.
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