Ulster are hopeful they will have a number of key players available to them in time for the derby meeting with Munster at Ravenhill on Friday, but Paddy Wallace has been ruled out for up to three weeks.

The centre has suffered a "muscle tear" but his absence could be compensated for bt the return of Luke Marshall, Andrew Trimble and Darren Cave, as well as hooker Rob Herring. All four "suffered soft tissue injuries in the defeat to Leinster" on Saturday, but are "responding well to treatment" and are expected to be in the running to put things right against Rob Penney's side.

There also remains the possibility of one or all of Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and Nick Williams making a return, after all three resumed full training this week. That decision will wait until later in the week.

Johann Muller was rested for the Leinsyer game but will be available again for selection. Rory Best and Tommy Bowe are "recovering well from their injuries" but this game looks likely to come too early for them.