Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher is on track to recover from injury in time for the clash with New Zealand in Dublin on November 8.
Leinster said 26-year-old Kelleher would miss around four to six weeks after hurting his ankle in a match against Benetton on October 5.
With Dan Sheehan ruled out and Rob Herring not playing this season, Kelleher’s injury adds to Ireland’s injury problems in the front row, but Ireland coach Simon Easterby was optimistic when asked about Kelleher on Thursday.
“Certainly, he’s doing well,” Easterby said.
Connacht wing Mack Hansen and Leinster fly-half Ciaran Frawley also sat out the matches last weekend, but Easterby said Ireland expect to have a “full cover” for training on Friday.
“Everyone was good today, we are very satisfied,” he added.
“The medics have done a great job on top of the provincial issues and the transition to the national camp has been seamless when it comes to the players who came in with a few niggles.
“So far so good and hopefully we will have a full team to train with tomorrow and next week.
“(Mack) is making really good progress. Like Ronan and Rob Herring and a few others, they’re working incredibly hard and getting into camp in a good place and continuing that progress.”