Scotland prop Euan Murray is doubtful for his country's opening RBS 6 Nations clash against Wales at Murrayfield next Sunday.
Murray missed Northampton's 27-6 Guinness Premiership defeat to Harlequins at The Stoop with a rib injury and Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed there was a possibility he might not be fit in time.
"Normally ribs take a few weeks to recover. I don't know yet. He's improving but we don't know the state," said Mallinder.
Murray, a major contender for Lions Test duty in South Africa later this year, was hurt during Northampton’s European Challenge Cup victory over Toulon last weekend.
Coach Frank Hadden is set to name his team on Wednesday, with Scotland hoping to upset the reigning Six Nations champions by claiming a ninth win from the last 12 starts against Wales in Edinburgh.