Wales affirms that number eight Taulupe Faletau continues to be considered for the World Cup despite his calf injury.
Although Faletau did not join the team’s training camp in Turkey, he remains part of the 48-man squad.
Regrettably, the 32-year-old will be unavailable for the opening warm-up game against England on 5 August. Nevertheless, Wales maintains an optimistic outlook regarding his recovery and potential contributions in the future.
“His rehab is going well so we are very hopeful he will be available for selection for the World Cup,” forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys told reporters.
“Hopefully he will play but I don’t think it’s something we’ll massively push if he’s not 100%,
“If he doesn’t feature it’s not going to necessarily rule him out.”
Wales opted not to include Faletau or the other injured players – Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts, Owen Williams, and Alex Cuthbert – in their squad for the trip to Turkey.
“He’s coming back so it was just a question of do you drag him out here to do some stuff or can he do it back home, and spend a lot more time with his family?
“So, the decision was made he can do the same rehab process back home. It’s looking positive for him.”
England’s World Cup fixtures confirmed with routine route to final
*England fixtures in bold.
Round 1:
Saturday 9th September: England vs Argentina, 20:00 kick-off: Pool D
Saturday 9th September: Ireland vs Romania, 14:30 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 10th September: South Africa vs Scotland, 16:45 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday10th September: Wales vs Fiji, 20:00 kick-off: Pool C
Round 2:
Saturday 16th September: Wales vs Final Qualifier Winner, 16:45 kick-off: Pool C
Saturday 16th September: Ireland vs Tonga, 20:00 kick-off: Pool B
Sunday 17th September: England vs Japan, 20:00 kick-off: Pool D
