Leinster Rugby today confirmed that former world player of the year Johnny Sexton is increasing his training load this week.

The province issued their usual Monday injury update, with some good news for Ireland and Leinster fans with the upping of Sexton's training load through this week.

Sexton has been out of action since landing awkwardly in a tackle injuring his knee in the first Heineken European Champions Cup game against Northampton. The province won that game with a bonus point 43-16.

Coach Stuart Lancaster added it was "highly unlikely" Sexton would make the last pool game of the Heineken European Champions Cup.

The condition of James Ryan's calf will be a topic of concern for Leo Cullen and new Ireland head-coach, Andy Farrell. The lock came off in the early stages of Saturday's bonus-point win over Connacht. That win made it a perfect 14 out of 14 for the Blues this season

No decision will be made on Ryan's fitness until later in the week, Leinster will monitor the issue over the course of the week before making any decision about his participation against Lyon on Sunday.

Lancaster said Ryan was "touch and got" for this weekend.

Available

Joe Tomane, who was returning from a hamstring injury against Connacht, played the full 80 minutes at the RDS on Saturday. The Province says he came through the game with no issues and will train as normal this week.

The list of players who will not be available for selection this week reads: Michael Bent (calf) Rory O'Loughlin (shoulder) Ronan Kelleher (hand) Vakh Abladze (back) Jack Conan (foot) Barry Daly (knee) & Dan leavy continues to recover from his serious knee injury.

Leinster will face Lyon this weekend with passage to the knockout stages already assured, Leo Cullen's side became the first team to ever qualify from the group stages after just four games. The game kicks off at the RDS on Sunday lunchtime at 1.00.

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