Leinster say that Johnny Sexton is "progressing well" in his rehabilitation from a knee injury, but they have stopped short of putting a timeline on his recovery.
The outhalf has been out since the start of December with a knee injury, which he suffered early in the second half of their Heineken Champions Cup win away to the Northampton Saints.
It's led to fears he could miss the start of the Six Nations, with Ireland beginning their first campaign under Andy Farrell on February 1 against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Leinster say Sexton will continue his rehabilitation in the next few days, with a further review to be made later in the week, but that he is making good progress on the injury.
The province have been dealt one firm injury blow though, with utility back Rory O'Loughlin set to be sidelined for up to three months.
The 25-year-old has undergone surgery on a shoulder injury, and is facing 12 weeks out. O'Loughlin had been absent since suffering the shoulder injury in their Heineken Champions Cup opener against Benetton in November.
Leo Cullen will also be without prop Michael Bent for the short term, he's been sidelined with a calf injury.
In better news, Jamison Gibson Park, and Joe Tomane could be available for this Saturday's PRO 14 meeting with Connacht.
Gibson Park was a late withdrawal from the side which edged out Munster last Saturday due to illness, but the province say he's since recovered. Tomane is returning to full training this week after a hamstring injury.
Leinster's win against Munster last Saturday has seen them open up a 10 point lead at the top of Conference A in the PRO14.
Everyone’s in the Team Of Us.
Vodafone. The Official Sponsor of the Irish Rugby Team.
Subscribe to Off The Ball's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
