British & Irish Lion Sean O’Brien is set to make his return to competitive action this weekend after helping the tourists to a memorable series win this summer in Australia.
O’Brien started the third and final Test in Sydney that the Lions won 41-16 to seal a first series win in 16 years.
But the Leinster flanker underwent thumb surgery shortly after the victorious tour and has been playing catch-up at the start of the season in a bid to prove his fitness.
And Leinster team manager Guy Easterby is confident the back-rower and the rest of the squad are ready to prove themselves this weekend against arch rivals Munster.
“We're very hopeful Sean will be back on deck for Saturday's game. We are in a healthy position after the weekend, which is a real bonus," he told the Belfast Telegraph.
"We made 11 changes to the team for Friday's game and we had five or six guys starting for the first time this season.
"To come through that unscathed is a real positive, especially with what we have lying ahead."
