Rubgy:Leinster have issued a positive prognosis on the fitness of Luke Fitzgerald, who may be available Thursday's Pro 12 game against Benetton Treviso at the RDS.
The Ireland back has been troubled by a neck injury since late December and will be “monitored by the medical team” with a view to participating “either this week or next” against Scarlets at home.
Backrow Dominic Ryan is “close to full fitness” and is expected to be in “contention for Thursday’s game”, after three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, as is Kevin McLaughlin, who has overcome his own neck injury.
Outhalf Mat Berquist (knee) remains doubtful for this week, at least, while captain Leo Cullen is convalescing after Achilles surgery and is not expected back before the resumption of the Heineken Cup in early April.
Coach Joe Schmidt will, therefore, “call upon a number of the British & Irish Cup panel who recently booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition in April”.
The team will be announced on Wednesday lunchtime.
