TAULUPE Faletau remains a big injury concern for Wales’ Six Nations opener in Italy next weekend after it was confirmed he will not play for Bath on Friday.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons star is ruled out of his club’s Anglo-Welsh LV Cup clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Number-eight Faletau, who departed Rodney Parade for the Rec last summer, has been troubled by injuries for most of the season.

He missed three of Wales’ autumn internationals before suffering a recurrence of the problem he picked up against Northampton early in the campaign.

“It’s going the right way but it’s a bit too early to say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ for Italy,” said Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde on Faletau’s condition. “But he won’t be playing this weekend, that would be rushing it.

“Let’s see how he’s going this week and next week before making any decisions but, ideally, it would be great if he had some game time the following weekend.

“He is progressing well and is back running. We are in good contact and have a good relationship with the Bath physiotherapists.”