Connacht and Munster have both issued squad updates, ahead of Saturday's Guinness Pro12 derby at a sold-out Sportsground.

Connacht's chances of regaining the top-spot in the Pro12 table have been boosted by the news that out-half Jack Carty has returned to full contact training this week and could come into contention to feature in his first game since suffering a ruptured spleen.

However, winger Danie Poolman has been ruled-out for this weekend with a foot injury while flanker Jake Heenan could now be a doubt for the rest of the season with a recurrence of an ankle injury.

Tiernan O’Halloran and AJ McGinty are still out but it’s hoped they’ll be available for selection in the coming weeks.

Munster have been boosted by the news that Dave O'Callaghan could return to training later this week after being diagnosed with bone bruising to his knee while Dave Foley's ankle ligament injury is not as serious as first feared.

However, Munster head coach Anthony Foley has indicated that Peter O'Mahony is now unlikely to play for the province this season as his recovery from an ACL injury is taking longer than expected.