Wales have been given a huge boost after Saracens declared Liam Williams is expected to be fit for the start of the Six Nations.
And in a further twist Sarries revealed Williams could even rejoin the Scarlets this season, sooner than anticipated.
The Lions full-back has been sidelined with an ankle injury since October but Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall confirmed that he expects him to be in contention for Wales as they kick off the defence of their crown against Italy on February 1.
The news will be welcomed by new Wales coach Wayne Pivac, who suddenly sees his back three options bolstered even further following the dazzling form displayed by Leigh Halfpenny, Josh Adams and English-based wing wizard Louis Rees- Zammit, who many are tipping for a call-up .
"I think he'll ready for the start of the Six Nations," McCall told the BBC , although he cautioned the swashbuckling 15 probably wouldn't have any Saracens game time behind him to sharpen his match fitness.
"I don't think he will be fit for us before the Six Nations, so it is not ideal, he hasn't played a game for us this season, but that isn't his fault, he got injured before the World Cup semi-final," said McCall.
The Saracens boss also revealed Williams may rejoin the Scarlets earlier than expected, with the English champions needing to reduce their costs in order to comply with the Premiership's £7m salary cap.
Saracens were recently deducted 35 points and fined £5.36m for breaking those rules over a three-year period, with the actions prompting Premiership Rugby to launch a "comprehensive review" of salary cap regulations.
Williams was set to return to Wales next season after three campaigns in England, but McCall admits he could well make the move sooner.
"It is possible," he said. "It was Liam's decision that he was going to go back to the Scarlets and to Wales.
"We understood that completely and he doesn't regret coming here and we don't regret bringing him to Saracens, he has been brilliant."
MailOnline report that Williams' departure will now happen by the end of this month.
