Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has received a boost ahead of the RBS 6 Nations with the news Welsh international pair Martyn Williams and Robert Sidoli will return to action for Cardiff Blues at the weekend.
Williams and Sidoli are both included in David Young's side to face Bourgoin on Saturday in the European Cup at Cardiff Arms Park, two days before Jenkins names his Six Nations squad.
Flanker Williams returns from a three-week suspension following his red card against Ospreys on December 23 while second row Sidoli is back after two months out, having undergone shoulder reconstruction surgery.
Williams said: Its nice to be back, Ive had three weeks off and its been frustrating watching the games, so it will be nice to be back playing again especially at the Arms Park.
Ive been keeping up the fitness side over the last few weeks doing conditioning work with our coaches Trystan (Bevan) and Dan (Baugh), and I also feel fresh mentally which is sometimes as important as the physical side.
We were all disappointed with last weeks result but on the whole the season has gone well so it would be good to get the win on Saturday and build a bit of momentum for our match against Glasgow. We want to finish this period off with two wins.
Sidoli added: Obviously its been eight to nine weeks since the injury which has been a difficult time but its something that needed to be repaired. The surgery with Richard Evans went well and Im quite pleased with how things have gone and Ive had some excellent physio from Tim Atter.
I had a fitness test this week, which also went well, so Im just looking forward to getting back on the park again as you do miss it when your not playing.
Ive had a good rest over the Christmas period but the hardest thing is watching the game when youre not involved. I think the EDF Semis are awesome for us, the league has gone quite well especially the Christmas period, its just the European cup that has been disappointing.
I think some the performances weve seen by the boys have been awesome, a lot of passion and a lot of heart, especially Munster away, its just we didnt do enough to get the win so were all disappointed with that. Hopefully if we do well in the EDF and in the League it will stand us in good stead for the Heineken Cup next year, he told the Blues' official website.