Ospreys hot prospect Dewi Lake has been training with Wales amid injury concerns over Elliot Dee ahead of the opening weekend of the Six Nations.
Lake has not been added to the squad in an official capacity, but has been called into camp to help with Dragons hooker Dee struggling for fitness ahead of the Italy clash.
Dee came off injured during the Dragons’ 47-5 victory over Enisei earlier this month and has emerged as a concern for Wales, having arrived into camp carrying the knock. The issue is thought to be with his ribs.
The 29-cap hooker is the leading challenger to Ken Owens in the No.2 jersey, having played in Wales’ last 18 Tests, but his preparations for the tournament have been hampered.
It is not thought that Dee’s problem is long term but he is struggling to make the first game of the Championship.
Ahead of the game on Saturday, attack coach Stephen Jones revealed that Dee hasn’t taken much part in training since the players arrived in camp last Monday.
“Elliot hasn’t taken much part in training at the moment,” said Jones.
“Fingers crossed he will be able to make a speedy recovery.”
Hence Lake’s arrival at the team’s Vale Resort training base. He is in camp, gaining further experience of the environment after also being involved with the squad unofficially ahead of the Barbarians match in November.
In Dee’s absence, Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias, who has been third choice in the side for some time now, is likely to take a place on the bench for the visit of the Azzurri.
The vastly-experienced Owens will be first choice to start the match.
It is also believed that Ospreys winger Luke Morgan has been in camp to help out in the odd training session after an injury to Owen Lane.
Again, Morgan is not an official call-up but is being utilised to keep numbers up in training, given the regions are currently enjoying a one month break from action.
Lane was released from the squad last week after suffering what has been described as a ‘significant’ hamstring injury.
