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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong hopeful of being in Champions Cup mix this weekend as Leinster face Gloucester

Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong are making some progress in their bid to make Leinster's Champions Cup clash with Gloucester at the RDS Arena on Friday night.

The Blues stars had to sit out the province's impressive opening pool stage victory away to Racing 92 last Saturday.

Skipper Sexton increased his training load towards the end of last week and will be further assessed this week for a calf injury ahead of a final decision later in the week.

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In his absence, Ross Byrne guided the Blues to a 42-10 triumph in Le Havre against the Top 14 leaders, a performance and result that was a statement of Leinster's intent to make up for last season's final loss to La Rochelle.

Tighthead Furlong also increased his training load towards the end of last week and he will be further assessed this week for an ankle injury ahead of a final decision later in the week.

Michael Ala'alatoa, who stepped up in the Wexford prop's absence, is on standby to start against the Premiership side if Furlong isn't ready.

Charlie Ngatai came through his return from injury without any problems, having started alongside Garry Ringrose in the centre.

There are no further updates from the province on Robbie Henshaw (wrist), Martin Moloney (knee), Ciarán Frawley (knee), Will Connors (bicep), James Tracy (neck), Charlie Ryan (knee) and Tommy O’Brien (knee).

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