Leinster suffered a big blow on the injury front with the news that flanker Kevin McLaughlin will be sidelined for 12 weeks due to shoulder surgery.
McLaughlin suffered the injury in the InterPro win over Connacht. He's certain to miss Leinster's final pool matches in the Champions Cup along with a number of Guinness PRO12 games, starting with Saturday's derby with Ulster.
It's not all bad news for the province as a number of players are nearing a return to action. Marty Moore, Fergus McFadden and Ben Te'o will all be available for selection for the Ulster game.
Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien continue their rehab from long term injuries, and both are expected to return to full fitness in the coming weeks.
