Ulster captain Iain Henderson has returned to training ahead of Friday’s crucial United Rugby Championship game against Munster at Thomond Park (19:35 BST).
The experienced second row has been out of action with a hamstring issue since Ireland’s Six Nations win over England on 1 February.
Sean Reffell, Robert Baloucoune, James Hume and Eric O’Sullivan have also resumed training and will be “monitored throughout the week”, Ulster said in a squad update.
Michael Lowry (concussion and neck injury) and Stewart Moore (concussion) are fit after being injured in the URC loss to Leinster on 19 April, while prop Tom O’Toole is available again after missing the defeat by the Sharks because of a family bereavement.
Jake Flannery (knee), John Cooney (ankle), Ben Carson (back), Ethan McIlroy (knee), and Ben Moxham (knee) are still sidelined.
Ulster are 12th and three points off the top eight as they chase a spot in the end-of-season play-offs and next season’s Champions Cup.
After facing ninth-placed Munster in Limerick on Friday, Richie Murphy’s side travel to Edinburgh on 16 May.
On Monday, Munster welcomed a large group of players back to training, including recently-retired Ireland internationals Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony.
Tom Ahern, Stephen Archer, Liam Coombes, John Hodnett, Oli Jager and Josh Wycherley are also available for interim boss Ian Costello.
