Peter O'Mahony 'in the mix' for Munster return against Saracens

Munster are hopeful that Peter O'Mahony will be fit to return for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup meeting with Saracens at Thomond Park (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), as the province begin to get some of their injured players back on deck.

While 15 members of the senior squad are currently out injured, Ian Costello’s side have been able to welcome Conor Murray, Diarmuid Barron and Jack O’Donoghue back to full training after they missed the Christmas defeat to Leinster, while Jack Crowley is also available again after he was rested on 27 December.

O’Mahony’s status for the visit of the three-time European champions is less clear, with the flanker being monitored for a calf injury he picked up in the Round 2 defeat to Castres last month.

But attack coach Mike Prendergast says they will give the 35-year-old every chance of playing in a game where experience will be crucial.

"Yeah, he's in the mix at the moment," Prendergast said of O’Mahony.

"We'll know more come Thursday, but as of now he's tracking along. We'll make that call on Thursday to see if he'll be able to tog out or not.

"A welcome return for a couple of players, good experienced players on top of that, and that will strengthen us up for the weekend. We obviously have a few bits and pieces to get through before Saturday, but all tracking in the right direction.

"We know the challenge that's ahead of us, and we have a couple of players back as well which is always good to have. You need that experience in these types of games. They [Saracens] have plenty of it on their side, so it's a hugely exciting week for us."

Among those who have been the longest on the injury list are Edwin Edogbo (above) and Roman Salanoa, who are nearing their return to full training.

Second row