British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland is confident that Brian O'Driscoll and Sean O'Brien will be fit for the opening match of their tour next month.
The Leinster pair are both doubtful for the match in Hong Kong, with O'Driscoll expected to play in this weekend's Celtic League final against Ulster despite his recent recovery from a back spasm.
O'Brien has also struggled as of late with a knee problem sustained in the European Challenge Cup final, but Gatland is sure that he will have both men available to face the Barbarians.
"Sean has been looked at by the medics and hopefully he'll spend this week with us," said Gatland.
"He has a bit of bone bruising, but it was more positive than first thought. Brian is hoping to be fit to play this weekend. He's on his feet again.
"We've been quite lucky so far. Fingers crossed that after the two finals the boys will turn up on Sunday and fly out on Monday."
The Lions face the Barbarians on June 1 in Hong Kong.
Matt Cotton
