Tadhg Beirne is poised to make his first appearance for Munster since December.
The Ireland forward hasn't played since sustaining a fractured ankle in the Heineken Champions Cup defeat to Saracens at Allianz Park.
Beirne's since required surgery. The 28-year old had been on course for a return in the Guinness PRO14 game with Leinster before suffering a low-grade leg injury in training.
News of the former Scarlets man's return will be welcomed by a province still coming to terms with losing RG Snyman for six months.
Munster confirmed today that both Beirne and Fineen Wycherley are likely to feature in Sunday's PRO14 clash with Connacht at the Aviva Stadium.
"From a second row perspective, Tadhg Beirne is back which gives us a little bit of depth," Munster coach Stephen Larkham said on Wednesday.
.@LongDogBeirne is set to be available for selection this weekend and could make his first appearance since last December 💪 💪 💪#SUAF 🔴
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 26, 2020
The Senior Coach has also backed the highly-touted Thomas Ahern to make the step up in Snyman's absence.
Munster have ruled out signing short-term cover for Snyman, who tore his ACL in last Saturday's defeat to Leinster.
Larkham said, "It is not good news. Whatever the time frame on a normal ACL is - that's what we are looking at, I know it varies a lot.
"Devastating news for RG. He came over here with a goal to become part of this team and he had been training exceptionally well for us.
"We had been very excited to have him here as well and he knew there was a fair bit of expectation. It is devastating news."
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