Sean O'Brien, man of the match in the 2012 Heineken Cup final and the 2011 ERC European Player of the Year, looks set to return to European action this weekend after proving his fitness following surgery.
The rampaging back row man was forced to miss Ireland's autumn internationals after undergoing corrective surgery on a hip injury following the summer tour to New Zealand. He spent almost four months on the sidelines before re-appearing at No 8 against Glasgow Warriors on 23 November.
Since then he had another full half of rugby in 37-17 the home win over Zebre last weekend that kept the Heineken Cup holders in third place in their domestic league. Now he is ready to give Leinster a timely boost ahead of their crucial Pool 5 clashes with ASM Clermont Auvergne.
"There are no major injury concerns arising from the victory over Zebre. Sean O'Brien and Jonathan Sexton were replaced at the interval as a precaution and both will take a full part in training this week," said a Leinster Rugby statement.
"Jamie Heaslip and Richardt Strauss were both rested, but returned to training on Monday and will be in the frame for Friday's team announcement."
Leinster travel to France to meet head coach Joe Schmidt's former club at Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday (kick-off 4.00pm local time) in the first of two vital back-to-back matches. After two rounds the French club hold a two point advantage over the side that beat them in last season's semi-finals..
The game will also see two of Leinster's international players reach significant milestones for their province, Gordon D'Arcy is in line to overtake Shane Horgan as Leinster's most capped Heineken Cup player with his 88th appearance in Europe.
Sunday's game will also see Sexton reach his century of appearances for Leinster - he has scored 873 points in all competitions to date - while Test prop Mike Ross will make his 75th appearance.
The reigning champions will host ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Aviva Stadium in the return game on Saturday, 15 December. More than 42,000 tickets have already been sold for this fixture.
