Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate could be fit to return to action in February, according to his club's boss Darren Edwards.
It had been expected that the 25-year-old would miss Wales's Six Nations campaign after breaking his ankle in September, but Edwards has confirmed that "he is on course" for February.
"He is on course for the start of February. It wouldn't surprise me if Dan has a half of rugby for us and Wales throw him straight in. He's that important - we saw how much he was missed during the Autumn Internationals," Edwards told Sky Sports News.
Wales are sweating on a host of players ahead of the tournament.