Centre Nick Tompkins is in contention for the Guinness PRO14 New Year’s Day derby trip to Scarlets after making a return to training.
Wales international Tompkins missed the Cardiff Blues defeat after being given compassionate leave by Dragons.
However, the 25-year-old – on a season-long loan from Saracens - returned to training in Ystrad Mynach today (Tuesday) and could feature in the clash in Llanelli on Friday (kick-off 5.15pm).
"Nick has been brilliant since day one here," said Forwards Coach Luke Narraway. "He comes from a very strong cultural environment at Saracens.
"He is a top, top man and has been good for our group. Nick came back into training and fitted in seamlessly and is definitely one of our leaders."
Dragons will be aiming to win at Parc y Scarlets for the first time and Narraway is hopeful for more favourable playing conditions after the wind and rain hit the derby day opener with Cardiff Blues.
"Derbies are often one-score games and there is a lot of emotion, with a lot riding on them,” said Narraway.
"Last year we had some good results in the derbies but we narrowly missed out against Cardiff, so we've got to make sure we continue to improve and continue to learn.
"We were two from three [in the festive derbies] last year and there are still two to play this year.
"We are going against a very good Scarlets team but hopefully we can learn from Cardiff and pose them some questions."
He is a top, top man and has been good for our group... Nick came back into training and fitted in seamlessly and is definitely one of our leaders...
