Jamie Heaslip's shoulder injury is not as serious as first feared.

The Leinster captain was forced-off during the opening-half of Saturday's derby with a shoulder injury.

But the province say that he is expected to be back available in time for their European Champions Cup clash against Castres on January 17th.

The 31-year-old may even be fit in time for this weekend's Pro12 trip to face the Cardiff Blues.

In a further boost, tighthead prop Marty Moore is expected to make his return from injury in Cardiff, having recovered from shoulder surgery, while Eoin Reddan and Rob Kearney are also set to be available for the trip to Wales.