British Lions hooker Matthew Rees is set to return to action in time to bolster Wales’ pack for their Six Nations opener with England.
The 29-year-old looked likely to miss the majority of Warren Gatland’s side’s challenge after suffering a groin tear in November’s 33-12 defeat to Australia.
But Scarlets coach Nigel Davies insists the former Pontypridd and Celtic Warriors front row will be ready to take his place at Twickenham on February 6.
“Matthew looks like he is going to be coming back a lot sooner than we first anticipated,” said Davies.
“He is about three weeks away from returning.”
Fellow Scarlets Mark Jones and Dafydd Jones are both locked in a race against time to recover from knee and shoulder injuries respectively.
While scrum-half Mike Phillips is unlikely to line-up for Wales after being sidelined with ankle ligament damage.
