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London - Wales believe Taulupe Faletau is "progressing well" from his latest injury setback but have yet to decide if the No 8 will be fit for their Six Nations opener.
The Welsh begin their Championship campaign away to Italy in Rome on February 5 and team management are concerned to avoid rushing back Faletau lest the back-row forward risk a fresh injury.
Bath ace Faletau missed three of Wales's end-of-year Tests after sustaining a knee injury on his English Premiership debut earlier this season.
Faletau suffered another knee problem during Bath's match against Wasps on Christmas Eve, raising doubts over his readiness for the early rounds of the Six Nations.
"It's going the right way, but it's a bit too early to say yea or nay for Italy," said Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde on Monday.
"But he won't be playing this weekend (against Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup) that would be rushing it," he added.
"Let's see how he is going this week and next week before making any decisions. But ideally, it would be great if he had some game-time the following weekend (Italy).
"He is progressing well and is back running. We are in good contact and have a good relationship with the Bath physiotherapists."
Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb has returned to action following an ankle injury in November by captaining the Ospreys to a sixth straight European Challenge Cup victory when they won away to English Premiership side Newcastle last weekend.
"It was good to see him (Webb) and others coming back to fitness," McBryde said. "That only adds to the competitive nature of training.
"We are discussing individuals with regards to giving them a little bit more game-time.
"There are a number of players who could potentially go back to their regions and clubs this weekend."
