Earls set to return for Racing 92, while Sean O'Brien in doubt for Leinster

Johan van Graan is set to be handed a massive boost for Munster's Champions Cup semi-final against Racing 92 next weekend as Keith Earls is likely to be involved.

Earls was expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after picking up a knee injury against England in the final Six Nations fixture last month.

According to the Irish Independent, the 30-year-old is believed to be ahead of schedule on his return but will still have to hit certain markers in order to make the trip to Bordeaux.

Meanwhile, Leinster's Sean O'Brien returned for the province against Benetton last night, he completed the opening 40 before being replaced at the interval.

Initial reports suggest that the Carlow flanker felt soreness in the same shoulder that he injured in the province's draw with Scarlets last month.

With Rhys Ruddock's participation also in question for next weekend's Champions Cup clash with reigning Pro 12 champions, versatile-Wallaby Scott Fardy could be set to return to the blindside flank.