NOEL REID IS expected to recover from a quad injury in time for Leinster’s Pro14 title defence opener, thereby boosting the province’s options at out-half for the trip to Cardiff Blues on Friday evening [7.35pm, eir Sport/TG4].
Reid sustained the problem in the province’s opening pre-season fixture against Montauban earlier this month and after sitting out the heavy defeat to Newcastle Falcons a fortnight ago, has come through a period of rehabilitation.
The 28-year-old will return to full training at UCD today and is in line to be fit for the clash with the Challenge Cup champions at the Cardiff Arms Park, easing the strain on Leinster’s options in the pivot position.
With Johnny Sexton following a delayed return to action following Ireland’s summer tour, Ciáran Frawley out for a number of weeks with a wrist injury and Joey Carbery and Cathal Marsh no longer at the province, there was concern over Leo Cullen’s resources for the opening weeks of the new season.
But Reid comes back into contention for Friday night, Tom Daly provides another alternative after deputising in the 10 jersey during pre-season and Ross Byrne — having toured with Ireland during the summer — is also in the frame for a return.
Joe Tomane, meanwhile, is due to be available for selection this week after shaking off the foot injury which forced him off during the second half of the 42-17 reversal to the Falcons.
There was, however, bad news for Will Connors after it was confirmed he damaged his ACL in that friendly and is now facing an extended period on the sidelines as he begins a lengthy rehab programme.
Ahead of the opening game of the season, Leinster provided a further injury update on a number of their returning internationals, including Dan Leavy and Sean O’Brien who are both ‘progressing well’ with their respective comebacks from shoulder injury.
Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier will both return to some form of on-field training this week as they continue their returns from foot and knee problems.
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