Brian O'Driscoll's recovery is 'progressing nicely' and the Irish skipper is hoping he will get to see some action before the end of the season.
Having been troubled by a shoulder injury for some time O'Driscoll finally made the decision to undergo surgery to resolve the problem once and for all, but the operation meant he would play no part in Ireland's RBS Six Nations campaign.
The centre will be hoping Leinster can reach the latter stages of the Heineken Cup but even if they don't he is eyeing a return to action before the end of the season.
"Things are progressing very nicely and I'm hoping to have some playing involvement with Leinster before the end of the season," O'Driscoll told irishrugby.ie.
"There have been peaks and troughs mentally on the rehabilitation road but I'm energised by the prospect of being able to play again and over the next few weeks stepping up the levels in training to incorporate skills work.
"The body is responding positively. In fact, the enforced lay-off has been hugely beneficial in offsetting the wear and tear of high-level rugby over a sustained period of time."
O'Driscoll will find himself in the unusual position of having to watch Ireland's clash with Wales from the President's Box at the Aviva Stadium and he admits he may find it hard to restrain his feelings.
"It feels strange not to be involved in the Six Nations Championships. I'm intrigued by how the boys are getting on in camp, about new game plans and re-jigged coaching structure," he added.
"I will be at the Wales game on Sunday because I was kindly given two tickets by Philip Brown for the Presidential Box.
"I may have to tone it down vocally, which will be a real challenge, because I get animated watching matches."