Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham set to return for Connacht’s Champions Cup showdown with Bristol

The international duo were rested against Lyon through the IRFU player management programme, albeit they did not seemingly know which tie they would have to miss.

Connacht are winless from three games in Europe and Bristol are struggling after just one win as they bid to avoid dropping into the second tier of European football.

Caolin Blade is also available having completed his graduated return to play protocols, and Tiernan O’Halloran is available after recovering from a foot injury he sustained against Leinster in early December.

Cathal Forde resumes training this week after a shoulder issue that caused him to miss the Lyon game, and his availability for Friday will be assessed during the week.

Jack Aungier continues to be monitored following an illness that ruled him out of the game in Lyon, while Dylan Tierney-Martin suffered a neck injury during the warm-up and is undergoing further investigation.

Unavailable for selection this week are John Porch (knee), Shane Jennings (ankle) and Oisin McCormack (thigh), while continuing to rehab are Paul Boyle (face), Santiago Cordero (knee), Diarmuid Kilgallen (hamstring), Sean O’Brien (foot) and Colm Reilly (ankle).