Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber has issued a positive update on Dan Sheehan, saying he expects the hooker to be fit for Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
The front row forward injured his knee in the opening Test against South Africa in July and subsequently underwent surgery.
The 25-year-old, who has 27 caps, was with the Leinster squad that trained in Gorey RFC this morning.
It had been feared that the injury may rule the Dubliner out for a longer period.
Asked if he thought Sheehan would be back for Ireland’s spring campaign, which begins at home to England on 1 February, the South African told the Irish Independent and Irish Times: "I think so. He got injured in July, so yes, yes.
"If everything goes well that’s six months and normally, in my opinion, ACLs are between six and nine months.
"The majority will fall into that time-frame bracket. "Then you get the odd ones, where there are setbacks.
"I would say 80% is between six and nine.
"I think Siya [Kolisi, Springboks captain] was just driven to get back and fair play, I think Sheeno looks the same. It’s just how much damage is done.
"You obviously do your cruciate but if you don’t do meniscus or you don’t do lateral and medial ligaments in conjunction with the ACL, and you literally just have the ACL, I think it’s a much better prognosis. That's what it looks like for Dan."
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, who missed the summer tour due to a hamstring injury, is in line to return for the start of the season, while incoming second row RG Snyman is expected to shake off a foot injury and be in contention for South Africa’s Rugby Championship match against New Zealand on Saturday week.
Leo Cullen's side begin their BKT URC campaign away to Edinburgh on Friday, 20 September.
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