LONDON (Reuters) - Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny is likely to miss the first two games of the Six Nations against France and Italy as he recovers from concussion, head coach Warren Gatland said on Wednesday.
Halfpenny has not played since suffering a head injury against Australia during the November internationals but has been named in the 39-man Wales squad.
"We probably won't consider Leigh for the first couple of games," Gatland told reporters at a Six Nations launch at London's Hurlingham Club.
"He is making progress and improving. We are mindful at the moment that he is a bit symptomatic with headaches but he has been taking part in training," he added.
"For us it's about easing him back in slowly. Hopefully he starts taking a more regular part in training and (we will) potentially look at including him towards the end of the tournament."
Gatland said scrumhalf Gareth Davies had a quad strain and was also unlikely to be considered for France, as was centre Scott Williams, with an ankle injury.
Wales start their Six Nations campaign against France on Feb. 1, seeking a first crown since claiming back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013.
It will also be their last under Gatland, who is moving on after the World Cup later this year after 12 years at the helm.
The New Zealander said he has yet to make any concrete plans for the next stage of his career, though a third stint in charge of the British and Irish Lions remains a distinct possibility.
"All I've said at the moment about my future is that the plan was to finish the end of the year and go home and take a break and spend four or five months at the beach and then assess my future," he said.
England coach Eddie Jones said on Wednesday that Gatland had done "an absolutely fantastic job" - and had discussed the issue, and much more, during a convivial dinner with his counterpart last night.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, however, was in no mood to start looking too far down the line.
"A lot of romantic things have been said about him," said the lock. "But there will be no cakes and candles at the end of this Six Nations - there is a long season ahead."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, additional reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Christian Radnedge)
