On the mend.

Munster are set to receive a massive Joey Carbery fitness boost with the Ireland international set to return to action before the new year.

Carbery hasn’t played for the southern province since returning from the Rugby World Cup in Japan with a fresh ankle problem that has been bothering him for much of 2019.

Munster say Carbery is progressing well with his rehabilitation from the injury and is in line to make a return towards the end of the month.

Tyler Bleyendaal meanwhile, who recently presented with neck stiffness, will be given a number of weeks to rest in taking every precaution with his recovery.

Jeremy Loughman will not require surgery on the ankle injury he sustained against Racing 92 but will be managed conservatively by the medical staff. He looks certain to miss their double-header with Saracens.

And on this weekend’s game with the holders at Thomond Park, pitchside seating will be in place at the venue to increase the capacity of the ground to 26,267. Over 23,000 tickets have already been sold for the clash, with the game in Limerick set to be a sellout.