The 26-year-old has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation since rupturing the cruciate ligaments in his left knee against Biarritz on October 29.

It was the second time in 2011 that the France international had been sidelined with a serious injury, with Domingo having missed the World Cup after he damaged the ligaments in his right knee in April - ironically, also in a Top 14 game against Biarritz.

However Domingo is confident he can return to action in time to bolster Clermont's pursuit for silverware - which sees Vern Cotter's side four points off top spot in the league and through to the semi-finals of the Heineken Cup.

Domingo told L'Equipe: "My goal is really to play again before the end of the season. Hopefully, I do not see why I would wait three more months..."