As Leinster gear up for a thrilling climax to their season, the province is receiving a timely boost with several key players nearing a return to action. With the Investec Champions Cup final on the horizon and the United Rugby Championship play-offs looming, the timing couldn't be better for the Irish powerhouse.
Ireland loose-head prop Paddy McCarthy is back in training after a four-month layoff with a foot injury. While the 22-year-old isn't part of the European squad, his availability for Saturday's URC clash against the Ospreys will be decided later this week—a welcome option for the front row.
In the backline, Jordan Larmour and Tommy O'Brien are both available for selection this weekend, adding depth and pace to the attack. Meanwhile, Jack Conan has returned to training after hobbling off during the Champions Cup semi-final win over Toulon on May 2—a massive relief for Leinster's pack.
The injury list is also clearing up nicely. Tadhg Furlong, James Lowe, and Alex Usanov are all training, while Josh van der Flier and Robbie Henshaw are progressing through graduated return-to-play protocols. Lock Brian Deeny will be assessed after sustaining an injury in Saturday's bonus-point win over the Lions—a result that virtually secured a home URC quarterfinal.
However, it's not all good news. Joshua Kenny, who withdrew before kick-off, needs further assessment, and Connacht-bound back row Will Connors has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up an injury on Saturday.
Leinster host the Ospreys this weekend before heading to Bilbao for the Champions Cup decider against holders Bordeaux on May 23. With these players returning, the province is building momentum at the perfect time for a silverware push.
