Leinster are lucky to have Rhys Ruddock back for Saturday’s match with Bath.
Leo Cullen needs all the good fitness news he can get at the moment, following his side’s 33-6 beating by Wasps last Sunday.
He has, however, lost the services of an Irish international for up to 10 weeks.
Back-row Jack Conan has broken a bone in his foot, in training, and will be out of action until the New Year. Even the best estimates for the 24-year-old have a six-week return date.
Conan, who made his Ireland debut against Scotland during the summer, was on the bench last weekend as the three-time champions got off to a wretched start.
Ruddock is fit again so can push the likes of Sean O’Brien and Jordi Murphy for a starting role at The Rec.
Cullen faced the press at Leinster’s Newstead HQ, this afternoon, and was hopeful that he could have an injured quartet back for a game that already looks like a must-win.
“Rob Kearney, Isa Nacewa, Ben Te’o and Luke Fitzgerald are close to returning,” said the head coach.
Whether Saturday is too close or not remains to be seen.
