Leinster's wounded on road to recovery

Several of Leister's injured squad members are nearing full fitness with some in contention to play in Thursday night's RaboDirect PRO12 encounter with Benetton Treviso at the RDS (7.05pm).

Dominic Ryan (ankle) is close to full fitness following a three-month layoff and the 21-year-old Ireland ‘A’ international back-row hopes to be in the mix for Thursday’s game.

Leo Cullen (Achilles) is progressing well following surgery last week and is on course for an April return to action, while Andrew Conway could come into the frame for next week’s game.

There’s better news for Kevin McLaughlin who has recovered from the neck strain which had sidelined him in recent weeks and he will be available this Thursday.

Luke Fitzgerald’s neck injury will be monitored by the medical team and he is likely to be available either this week or next.

The management look set to call upon a number of the British & Irish Cup panel who recently booked their place in the semi-finals of the competition in April.

It is unlikely that Mat Berquist (knee) will be available this week though the former Canterbury Crusaders out-half looks set to return to the squad over the coming weeks after upping his rehabilitation following a long-term injury.

The team will be announced on Wednesday lunchtime.