Rugby:Leinster are optimistic that Ireland centre Fergus McFadden will recover from medial knee ligament injury in time for this weekend's trip to Italy and a meeting against Benetton Treviso in the RaboDirect Pro12 league.

McFadden missed the opening two rounds of the Heineken Cup with the injury, although Eoin O’Malley’s impressive two-try performance against Glasgow last Sunday shows the level of competition for the number 13 shirt in the absence of Brian O’Driscoll.

Lock Damian Browne (shoulder) could also come back into the selection mix, though a decision on his availability will be confirmed at Friday’s lunchtime team announcement.

Outhalf Mat Berquist (knee) has stepped up his rehabilitation in recent weeks and it is hoped that he will be available over the Christmas period while it is thought that Dominic Ryan, who captained the ‘A’ side away against Esher, will be out for between four and six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury.