Wales will have to kick off their Six Nations campaign without Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris in Italy.
The Bath forwards have been ruled out by Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde who confirmed that No.8 Faletau will not be fit in time for Sunday’s Stadio Olimpico clash following his knee injury while lock Charteris has a fracture in his hand.
It is thought, though, that both players will be in the selection frame for next week’s clash with England.
McBryde said: “He is still progressing. It is still early days. Everything is heading in the right direction there, really.
“(Fit) for this week? No, it will be too early this week.”
And on Charteris, McBryde added: “He has a slight fracture in his hand, so he has been ruled out for this weekend as well. Hopefully, he will be fit for the following week.”