Ross Moriarty delivered some welcome good news for Wales head coach Warren Gatland ahead of the Six Nations on Thursday as it was revealed the backrow forward will return to Gloucester's first team on Friday.
The 23-year-old returned from the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand last year after suffering nerve damage in his back.
And he will be making only his second appearance in seven months when he lines up in the European Challenge Cup clash with French side Agen.
"He's (Moriarty) fit and training again," Gloucester backs coach Tim Taylor said.
Should the 17-times capped Moriarty come through unscathed it will ease Gatland's problems in the back row as both experienced duo Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate are out for the whole of the tournament.
Lions No8 Taulupe Faletau is also unlikely to be back before late February or early March due to a knee injury.
Gatland also has problems in the backs as star centre Jonathan Davies is out for the season and wing Hallam Amos suffered an ankle injury in late December.
The Six Nations gets underway on February 3.
FIXTURES
Six Nations 2018
Round one
Saturday February 3
Wales vs Scotland, Millennium Stadium, 2:15pm local, Sunday 1:15am AEDT
France vs Ireland, Stade de France, 4:45pm local, Sunday 2:45am AEDT
Sunday February 4
Italy vs England, Stadio Olimpico, 3pm local, Monday 1am AEDT
Round two
Saturday February 10
Ireland vs Italy, Aviva Stadium, 2:15om local, Sunday 1:15am AEDT
England vs Wales, Twickenham, 4:45pm local, Sunday 3:45am AEDT
Sunday February 11
Scotland vs France, Murrayfield Stadium, 3pm local, Monday 2am AEDT
Round three
Friday February 23
France vs Italy, Stade de France, 8pm local, Saturday 6am AEDT
Saturday February 24
Ireland vs Wales, Aviva Stadium, 2:15pm local, Sunday 1:15am AEDT
Scotland vs England, Murrayfield Stadium, 4:45pm local, Sunday 3:45am AEDT
Round four
Saturday March 10
Ireland vs Scotland, Aviva Stadium, 2:15pm local, Sunday 1:15am AEDT
France vs England, Stade de France, 4:45pm local, Sunday 3:45am AEDT
Sunday March 11
Wales vs Italy, Millennium Stadium, 3pm local, Monday 2am AEDT
Round five
Saturday March 17
Italy vs Scotland, Stadio Olimpico, 12:30pm local, 10:30pm AEDT
England vs Ireland, Twickenham, 2:45pm local, Sunday 1:45am AEDT
Wales vs France, Millennium Stadium, 5pm local, Sunday 4am AEDT
