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Test duo in race against time to make Leinster's semi-final against Toulouse

By Ian Cameron
(Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Leinster's Josh van der Flier and Ryan Baird are currently in a race against time to prove their fitness ahead of their Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. The two Ireland internationals are recovering from an ankle injury and shoulder injury respectively, and their availability for the match is still uncertain.

Van der Flier will step up his rehabilitation this week as he recovers from his ankle injury, while Baird will also step up his rehabilitation as he recovers from his shoulder injury. A final decision on their availability will be made later in the week.

Meanwhile try-scoring Leinster prop Vakhtang Abdaladze suffered a neck injury during their game against the Emirates Lions and will also be further assessed this week to determine his availability for the match.

Fellow prop Michael Milne has entered the Graduated Return to Play Protocols and will be assessed throughout the week. Meanwhile, Tommy O’Brien injured his shoulder in the first half against the Vodacom Bulls and will also be further assessed this week.

Former All Black Charlie Ngatai also returned to training last week following a hamstring injury and will be assessed again this week. Cormac Foley also returned to training last week following a hamstring injury and will be assessed again this week to determine his availability for the match.

Unfortunately, Ed Byrne injured his tricep during the second half against the Bulls and will be unavailable for selection this week. Rhys Ruddock, who injured his hamstring during the game against the Emirates Lions, had a procedure at the weekend and will also be unavailable for selection.

There are currently no further updates on James Lowe (calf), Johnny Sexton (groin), Jamie Osborne (knee), Rónan Kelleher (shoulder), Joe McCarthy (ankle) and Martin Moloney (knee).