There's some encouraging news from Munster regarding the fitness of Joey Carbery.
His province say the out-half took part in "some elements" of training on Tuesday as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Carbery last played for Munster in January 2020's Guinness PRO14 defeat to Ulster.
The 25-year old aggravated an ankle injury initially sustained in one of Ireland's World Cup warm-up games against Italy in August 2019.
He underwent surgery to rectify the problem which has led to his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
But the latest missive from Munster is some tangible positivity regarding a potential return this season.
Munster say his training load is being managed carefully.
"Just being in with the squad makes a huge difference mentally," Carbery said recently, "It's the only thing that's really gotten me through this, looking to the end and just wanting to get back on the pitch.
"Staying in with the meetings and talking to the coaches help a lot with that, because you can keep clued-in and stay match-sharp.
"Obviously you're not being able to physically do it, but mentally you can kind of prepare for the games coming up.
"That makes a big difference, but then just wanting to get back onto the pitch and back in with the squad makes me very ambitious and very motivated to get back."
Munster have a scrum-half issue ahead of Saturday's PRO14 trip to Benetton.
Leinster Academy player Paddy Patterson and Ennis scrum-half Ethan Coughlan have been training with the squad.
Conor Murray and Craig Casey were both called into the Ireland Six Nations squad on Monday, and Neil Cronin is a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Munster have also confirmed that both Rhys Marshall and James Cronin will miss the game in Treviso.
The pair both suffered knee injuries in last weekend's defeat to Leinster at Thomond Park.
