DAN SHEEHAN has given a major update on his recovery from a torn ACL.
The Ireland and Leinster hooker reckons he could be back in time to for some of the 2025 Six Nations Championship.
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The Leinster and Ireland hooker suffered the horror injury in the opening Test defeat to the Spingboks last summer.
But he may be in be in contention to feature in the early stages of the competition that will get under during the last week of January.
Speaking with RTE, the 27-capped front row forward said: “Hopefully into the new year. It might take a month or two, but that’s what I’m sort of aiming at.
“I’d love to get a good chunk of the season, see how we go. I’ve been conscious not to put a timeframe on it because then it would be tempting to rush back.
The 26-year-old admits the frustration but knows he can’t rush a return due to the seriousness of the long-term injury.
He added: “And it’s very much a week-to-week thing. Just for the mind – I don’t want to put an exact date on it because then I’d be rushing – In terms of the knee, it’s coming along very nicely.
“Emma Galvin, my physio, has worked her ass off to get me to a good spot.
“I haven’t had one setback yet, so hopefully in the new year I can get kicking.
“I don’t want to rush it at the same time, it’s quite tempting, especially after the last month watching the lads out there playing big games.
“You’re like ‘I really want to get back,’ but I’ll make sure I’m 100% right, and that’s when I’ll go back.”
Meanwhile, Leinster kick-off their Champions Cup campaign against the Bristol Bears this Sunday at 5:30pm.
And New Zealand star Jordie Barrett is in contention for his Leinster debut in the European opener.
Barrett completed his up first full training session with his new Leinster team-mates ahead earlier this week.
The 27-year-old has joined Leinster on a short-term deal after the Autumn Nations Series ended.