Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris underwent surgery in December to repair ankle tendon damage that he sustained in a RaboDirect PRO12 match against Edinburgh.

Stephen Ferris was reviewed this week (Tuesday) as part of his ongoing rehabilitation programme.

In that review it was discovered that although the 27-year-old Ireland international has made excellent progress in his recovery, some minor issues remain.

As a result, the specialist medical staff treating Ferris are considering several options to ensure that he makes a full and complete return to play.

A decision on a course of action will be made in the coming weeks.