Alun Wyn Jones will attend Wales' Six Nations camp this week.
The Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed that usual skipper Jones will arrive at their Vale Resort HQ 'to continue his rehabilitation'.
Jones has been out of action since injuring his shoulder in the autumn Test against the All Blacks and has always been long odds to feature in this year's Six Nations.
The WRU's brief statement does not suggest that he is close to returning to action and it does sound as though any involvement in team activities would be limited.
Jones, the most-capped player in the history of rugby, has been making use of the WRU's facilities and their medical staff, alongside that of the Ospreys, throughout his rehabilitation.
That the WRU have felt the need to comment on his presence in camp this week could be significant. But WalesOnline understand he is not yet being deemed an official call-up to the squad.
Prior to the tournament, Wayne Pivac hinted Jones could make an unlikely return at some point, after initially being expected to miss the entire Championship.
“Never say never!" Pivac said.
"It's Alun Wyn Jones.
"I probably wouldn’t enter the conversation if it was anyone else, but the guy has broken so many records.
"I honestly say that, I would never say never. But, look, it'll be a long shot. Let's just say that."
It also comes at a time when Wales are under significant pressure for the way the head injuries of Tomas Francis and Owen Watkin were dealt with at Twickenham on Saturday.
Those events are currently subject to a review.
Wales' Six Nations titles hopes were left in tatters after their second defeat of the campaign over the weekend. They now face matches against Grand Slam chasers France, and Italy, as they look to salvage something from the tournament.
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