Jonathan Thomas has offered a timely boost to Gareth Jenkins' Rugby World Cup training squad with the news that his broken hand will not require surgery or plaster.
Thomas has returned to training and, although not engaging in full contact sessions, is taking an active part in Wales' World Cup preparations with a view to regaining full fitness over the next two to three weeks.
"The hand feels pretty strong at the moment and there's not much pain. I'm relieved and really pleased to be able to get stuck back into training," said Thomas.
Thomas' Ospreys colleague Shane Williams is also progressing well after planned surgery to his elbow this summer and Wales physio Mark Davies says both players should be in contention for selection by August.
"Jonathan has damaged the metatarsal on the ring finger of his left hand. Fortunately the damage is in an area that does not limit his movement or grip to any large extent and he is able to take a major part in sessions. He should recover more quickly than we first thought," said Davies.
"Shane is in a similar position. He is avoiding full contact at the moment, but can still play a major part in the training sessions. The good news is that he should be fully recovered by August."
Meanwhile, Davies is treating with caution reports that Ospreys and former British Lions No8 Ryan Jones has suffered a blow to his Rugby World Cup chances through a repeat of an old shoulder injury.
"Ryan will be seeing a specialist on Thursday and we will know more when we get the results of that consultation. Until then it would be wrong for us to speculate," he added.