Wales head into the final few days of their altitude camp in Switzerland in fairly rude health as they continue preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
A number of players in the 42-man squad carried injuries into camp back in May and June but many have since moved into full training, while others are making good progress.
Wales’ physios have their hands full with such a large squad, so any player deemed not fit enough to do some serious work in Fiesch would not have travelled.
The fact all 42 players were high up in the Swiss Alps is a positive sign.
Taulupe Faletau
Back when the training squad was announced in May, the main injury concern Taulupe Faletau.
He has played just one game since breaking his arm last October, before breaking it again in his comeback match against Wasps in January.
He has had to have a second plate inserted in the right forearm that broke twice and there were concerns over the No.8, but he’s showing signs of being fit soon.
Faletau has been easing his way back into contact, using strength and conditioning coach Huw Bennett as cannon fodder.
But he took part in a live 15-on-15 block of training in front of the media out in Switzerland, taking one particularly big collision and brushing it off.
There is no indication whether or not he’ll be ready in time to face England at the moment. Signs are fairly promising, though he does have ground to make up in terms of fitness.
Aaron Shingler
Fellow back-rower Aaron Shingler hasn’t played since suffering a horrible knee injury in the 2018 Guinness PRO14 final.
He had feared his career might be over but has rehabilitated to a point where Warren Gatland felt comfortable naming him in the 42-man training squad.
Shingler has looked to be in very good shape over the weekend, though didn’t participate in the full contact session in Naters. He did, however, vow to be ready in time for the World Cup if selected.
"I’d say I’m nearly where I want to be,” he said. "A couple of more weeks training with Wales and I’ll hopefully get an opportunity.
"If that opportunity comes then I feel like I’ll be ready."
Scott Williams, James Davies and Josh Navidi
Scott Williams had very limited game time last season, with a hamstring injury and then back problems keeping him on the sidelines for the majority of the year.
But he is back in full training, as is James Davies who finished last season battling a foot problem.
Flanker Josh Navidi is not yet taking part in training, though the physios are happy with the progress being made.
Navidi has been training away from the main group but has been put through some lung-busting circuits that involve boxing, ropes, Ski-Ergs and Wattbikes.
Bradley Davies and Jonah Holmes
Navidi was joined in Naters by second row Bradley Davies. It is unclear whether the second row is managing an injury of his own or just having his workload managed.
Jonah Holmes, who had minor hamstring surgery at the end of last season, is still not taking part in full training, and spent most of his time away from the group doing some running alongside Leigh Halfpenny.
The full-back is managing a minor calf strain, though he was being put through some fairly strenuous fitness work by conditioning staff. He kicked freely after sessions, looked near to full fitness and is not a concern.
Ellis Jenkins
Jenkins, who was not named in the initial 42-man squad after suffering a nasty knee injury against South Africa last autumn, has been working closely with the Wales medical staff.
Forwards coach Robin McBryde revealed he has been in and around camp regularly and insisted they are leaving the door open for him should he prove his fitness in time for Japan.
There is no indication when he’ll be back fit, though next month’s games against England would seem like a longshot.
