Wales head coach Warren Gatland has refused to rule out the possibility of Eli Walker playing in the latter stages of the World Cup.
Ospreys winger Walker was forced to pull out of the squad due to a hamstring injury, but Gatland believes that the 23-year-old could be recalled should Wales lose another player to an injury in the tournament.
"Eli had a hamstring injury last week in training and we waited 72 hours in terms of giving him an opportunity," the Wales coach told reporters.
"Unfortunately, the indications from the medical team were that it would be three to four weeks before he was fit. Given that, we had to make a decision.
"It does mean, however, that in withdrawing him now, we have the opportunity to bring him in to the squad at a later date, if we pick up an injury later in the tournament."
Wales start their campaign against Uruguay on Sunday.
