Ireland captain O’Driscoll has also been out of action since suffering a cracked jaw in the 29-9 victory over Argentina but could be poised to return this weekend.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt is anxious not to rush him back too quickly and Ireland boss Declan Kidney is sure to be an interested spectator with the RBS 6 Nations fast approaching.

Heaslip’s chances are even more doubtful since he picked up an ankle injury in the 20-13 defeat to Clermont which cuts Leinster’s lead at the top of pool 2 to just one point,

Schmidt said: “Jamie Heaslip's highly unlikely to play, his ankle is badly swollen and he's hobbling around at the moment, we're going to give him until Friday and hopefully,s omething can happen.

“We're also hoping to get an all-clear for Brian on Friday, but again that's right up in the air. He's back to the specialist on Friday.

“I'd say it's 70-30 against at the moment. Broken bones are broken bones. It's not like you can jab it or bandage it up. I don't think we can make any sort of decision until Friday.”