Defending Guinness Six Nations champions Wales could be boosted by the return of both Liam Williams and Josh Navidi for their showdown with England at Twickenham.
Full-back sensation Williams has not played for his country since sustaining an ankle injury ahead of Wales’ Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa last October.
Meanwhile, flanker Navidi is also yet to feature in this year’s Championship after pulling his hamstring in training ahead of Wales’ curtain-raiser against Italy earlier this month.
But Wales attack coach Stephen Jones is confident both players are on course to be available for selection as Wayne Pivac’s side look to deny England the Triple Crown.
“The situation with Liam and Josh is that they’re in our environment,” said Jones. “They’re working hard, getting in the reps and load that’s needed to make them available for selection.
“Hopefully they can tick every box along the way and they can put their hand up for selection.
On Williams, Jones added: “The key is how his training week goes this week and next. Things like how we manage his load and get him up to speed.
“It’s the decision-making process he goes through with the ball, his aerial skills, how he gets challenged in our working week to tick boxes off to make sure he is available for selection.
“We have to put him through those scenarios and then it will be a discussion next week.”
Jones also insisted that George North will not be rushed back to action after the winger was replaced in the 11th minute of their 27-23 defeat to France due to a head injury.
“We’ve got elite medical staff looking after George, making sure he ticks every box. He’s doing very well,” said Jones. “Our medical staff will take him through the correct protocols.
“Nothing will be rushed or forced. Every box will get ticked properly and that’s the most important thing. He’s going down the correct path and he’s in good spirits.”
