Leinster could have Sean O’Brien back in harness for the start of their European Champions Cup campaign.

The province have confirmed that the Ireland flanker is set to return to training this week after an eight-month lay-off with a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old could now play a part in this Saturday’s Champions Cup opener against Castres at the RDS.

Leinster assistant coach Girvan Dempsey said today that the player is close to a return.

I think it will really depend on training today and tomorrow,” he said. “I think if he gets through those and gets through a bit of contact and a few more markers he has to hit, I think he’ll be available.

“We’re fortunate that he’s coming back into a strong back row where there’s real healthy competition. He’ll have to fight for his place to get back in there but it’s a great place to be.

“He’s chomping at the bit and he’s been very influential while he has been off the field.”

Meanwhile, Fergus McFadden looks set to miss Ireland’s November Internationals with a quad muscle tear.

Leinster says that the quad injury that McFadden suffered last month is more serious than they first feared and the player is now facing several months out of action.

Meanwhile Munster, Leinster’s defeated opponents at the weekend, have confirmed that Keith Earls and Dave Kilcoyne are both following the return-to-play protocols this week after suffering concussions.

The province are also monitoring the recovery of Andrew Conway, Collie O’Shea, Dave O’Callaghan and Jean Kleyn ahead of this weekend’s Champions Cup showdown against Racing 92.

However, there’s been bad news for scrum-half Cathal Sheridan.

The 27-year-old re-joined the province on a short-term contract just last week, but he’s facing a lengthy spell out of action after he sustained a leg fracture while playing for UL Bohs over the weekend.