Munster say that scrum-half Cathal Sheridan has been ruled-out of action for at least a month because of a knee injury.

The 25-year-old, who signed a new contract last week in recognition of his excellent form this season, is now facing between 4 and 6 weeks on the sidelines after damaging the medial ligaments in his left knee during last Friday's defeat to Ulster.

However, the loss of Sheridan has been off-set today by the news that Conor Murray was able to train again today and head coach Rob Penney is now hopeful that he'll be fit to play in this Saturday's Heineken Cup match-up against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Simon Zebo also trained today and a decision on his fitness and the availability of Donncha O'Callaghan will be made closer to Friday's team announcement.

In a further boost for Penney, hooker Damien Varley's foot injury is not as serious as first feared and he could still be available for this weekend, while Donnacha Ryan has returned to training after his knee injury. But he will not be risked this weekend.