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Wales braced to lose Davies

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Bradley Davies

Bradley Davies

Wales look destined to lose lock Bradley Davies from their RBS 6 Nations plans on Wednesday - but two other World Cup forwards could return for next Sunday's clash against Scotland.

Davies will face an independent Six Nations disciplinary panel in London after being cited for a reckless tip-tackle on Ireland replacement Donnacha Ryan at the Aviva Stadium two days ago.

It has emerged, though, that flanker Dan Lydiate and prop Gethin Jenkins are expected to resume full training this week following respective ankle and knee problems.

Wales coach Warren Gatland admitted after the match Davies was fortunate to avoid a red card, escaping with a sin-binning from referee Wayne Barnes on the recommendation of his assistant Dave Pearson.

But the 25-year-old Cardiff Blues forward now seems set to pay a heavy price for his action. Press Association Sport understands a three-month suspension is being mooted in some quarters.

And that would give Gatland a second-row selection poser, given that Davies' second-row colleagues Luke Charteris and Alun-Wyn Jones are currently injured and unavailable.

Gatland has delayed announcing his team to face Scotland until Thursday afternoon, but a fully fit Lydiate might facilitate a second-row switch for Ryan Jones, who performed superbly at blindside flanker in Dublin.

Wales skipper Sam Warburton, meanwhile, will have his fitness continually assessed over the next few days after going off at half-time in Dublin due to a leg injury.

Wales coach Neil Jenkins said: "It is another big game to come on Sunday, and we want our best players fit.

"They are battered and bruised after the weekend, but we hope everyone will be all right for training tomorrow and onwards."

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