Star Wales centre Jamie Roberts has admitted that he is struggling to overcome a knee injury in time for his country's opening Six Nations clash against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, February 5.
The Cardiff Blues man initially picked up the complaint on December 23 but was picked in Warren Gatland's training squad regardless.
Blues coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell had hoped Roberts would be fit for their crucial Heineken Cup clash against Racing Metro on Sunday. However, Roberts conceded that even the clash with Ireland could come too soon.
"It's touch and go," he told the South Wales Echo. "Fingers crossed, I will put myself in the picture to be fully training for that Ireland week and then be able to put myself up for selection."
"Doctors have said it's hopefully a five-, six-week injury and I'm almost four weeks now. Hopefully the rehab will allow me to be fit and fine for that first game. The physios will make that call."
Gavin Henson is a contender for a starting place in midfield should Roberts not regain fitness in time, although Gatland has admitted that the erstwhile celebrity is slightly "underdone."
Scarlets' Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams and rising Ospreys star Ashley Beck are also in the centre mix while Perpignan's James Hook has also worn the Wales 12 jersey.
