Squad news:Leinster coach Michael Cheika was able to name the province's player of the year, Felipe Contepomi, in a 27-man squad ahead of their Magners League clash away to Munster on Wednesday, December 27th.
The influential Argentine has been sidelined since sustaining ligament damage while playing against France during the autumn internationals. Contepomi was trying to clear out at a ruck and received a blow to the side of his leg towards the end of the game.
Contepomi is recognised as a pivotal playmaker in the Leinster backline but his ability with the boot will be essential as they take on their provincial rivals and European champions in their own back yard at Thomond Park.
Jonathan Sexton was also added to the squad that won away to French side Agen in the Heineken Cup last weekend.
"Obviously we're hoping to get him (Contepomi) back. He's a hard player to replace but he's confident (in his own rehabilitation). He's a certain type of player but you have to strategise without him," said Chieka today.
"Jonathan Sexton is included because (Christian) Warner is carrying a bit of a sternum injury. It's swollen so we'll have to wait and see.
"The passing game of Warner is something that we want to take advantage of. It's important that we can mix and match as we go along. We know what we have in our squad so we cater for and best cover for every situation."
There are other injury worries for Cheika but the Australian will not be forcing anybody back into action too soon.
"Brian Blaney had an x-ray and there's no sign of cartilage damage, but he hasn't set foot on a training field yet," said Cheika today.
"It'll be up to Will Green as to when he comes back. He put his head into a few scrums yesterday so he's more upbeat about coming back sooner rather than later. Fosi (Pala'amo) has been carrying an ankle injury since the Ulster game so we'll have to wait and see."
Leinster squad:
Forwards: Ronan McCormack, Reggie Corrigan, Brian Blaney, Harry Vermaas, Bernard Jackman, Stanley Wright, Trevor Hogan, Malcolm O'Kelly, Owen Finegan, Cameron Jowitt, Stephen Keogh, Keith Gleeson, Jamie Heaslip
Backs: Chris Whitaker, Guy Easterby, Andrew Dunne, Felipe Contepomi, Christian Warner, Jonathan Sexton, Denis Hickie, Rob Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy, Brian O'Driscoll (C), Kieran Lewis, Shane Horgan, Luke Fitzgerald, Girvan Dempsey
Referee: Alan Lewis (IRFU)
