Head Coach Dai Flanagan has revealed Argentine scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou is closing in on a playing return – but could be set to miss the festive fixtures.
Bertranou, 28, has not featured for the Men of Gwent since his involvement with the Pumas during the autumn internationals.
The nine started against England, Wales and Scotland but missed the Dragons’ clashes with the Stormers and Lions in South Africa and last weekend’s Challenge Cup game with Section Paloise in Newport.
Flanagan has now revealed Bertranou has been in recovery for a knee issue - but is champing at the bit to make his comeback.
"He is not far away,” he said. “He picked up an injury either during Argentina’s game or a couple of days before.
"It was a grade two medial ligament injury, so quite severe, but Gonzalo is a tough kid and was telling me he'd still come to South Africa!
"You can't help but love how tough he is, but realistically he has needed full rehab and treatment. He is back out running so won't be far away."
Meanwhile, Flanagan has reiterated his desire not to rush the return of tighthead Leon Brown.
The front row recently travelled with the squad to South Africa to continue his rehabilitation.
"We have reset his goals and taken any targets or timeframes away," said Flanagan. "We need to make sure we do what is best for him.
"This has been ongoing since February and it is uncomfortable for Leon and us, but we will make sure we get him back right."
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You can't help but love how tough he is, but realistically he has needed full rehab and treatment. He is back out running so won't be far away...
