The 23-year-old has been out of action since Ireland's defeat against New Zealand on 20 November. He is selected in a back three that also includes Shane Horgan and Fergus McFadden on the wings.
Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy form a familiar centre partnership with Jonathan Sexton and Eoin Reddan at out-half and scrum-half in a high quality Leinster backline.
In the pack, Leo Cullen will skipper the side from the second row with Devin Toner alongside. Dominic Ryan comes into the back row at blindside with Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip at openside and number eight respectively.
Sean O'Brien is not in the match-day squad after impressing in a series of games over the Christmas period.
The front row consists of propping duo Cian Healy and Mike Ross - both in the hunt for Ireland places - and South African born hooker Richardt Strauss.
The team includes 14 Irish qualified players and one -Strauss - who could play for Ireland in future on residency grounds.
Isaac Boss, Nathan Hines and Rhys Ruddock are named on a bench which contains a mix of youth and experience.
A decision on the final outside back replacement will be made closer to kick off with either Isa Nacewa or Eoin O'Malley set to fill the spot.
LEINSTER v Ospreys in the Magners League at the RDS, Friday at 7.35pm:
15: Luke Fitzgerald
14: Shane Horgan
13: Brian O'Driscoll
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Fergus McFadden
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Eoin Reddan
1: Cian Healy
2: Richardt Strauss
3: Mike Ross
4: Leo Cullen (captain)
5: Devin Toner
6: Dominic Ryan
7: Shane Jennings
8: Jamie Heaslip
REPLACEMENTS:
16: Jason Harris-Wright
17: Heinke van der Merwe
18: Clint Newland
19: Nathan Hines
20: Rhys Ruddock
21: Isaac Boss
22: Ian Madigan
23: Eoin O'Malley/Isa Nacewa
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