Hooker Dewi Lake was Tuesday called into the Wales squad ahead of their remaining Six Nations games against Scotland and England after recovering from a biceps injury.
Lake, who captained Wales on tour to Australia last year and throughout the Autumn Nations Series, underwent surgery in December.
His initial prognosis was up to 12 weeks on the sidelines after being injured in training.
But the 25-year-old, who has won 18 caps, is ahead of schedule in his recovery.
Wales have lost all three of their matches in the Six Nations so far.
Saturday's 27-18 loss to Grand Slam-chasing Ireland was their 15th successive Test defeat, but they looked a rejuvenated team under interim head coach Matt Sherratt, who has taken the reins following Warren Gatland's departure.
The addition of Lake takes Sherratt's squad up to 38 players as he joins fellow hookers Elliot Dee, Evan Lloyd and Sam Parry.
Wales take on Scotland at Murrayfield on March 8 before hosting England the following week.
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