Wing Ashton Hewitt is closing in on a return to the match day squad for Saturday's European Challenge Cup opener against Emirates Lions (kick-off 10.45am UK).
Hewitt, 28, has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury in the BKT United Rugby Championship clash against the Sharks at the start of October.
However, following surgery and a successful rehab, the speedster could make his playing comeback in Johannesburg.
“Ashton is more likely to play than he is not to,” said Head Coach Dai Flanagan.
“He’s got to get through the rest of the week but it’s likely that he will be in the 23.
On selection, Flanagan added: “I have been very clear with the group that we need to use our squad and I am looking forward to dropping some players in that haven’t played on tour.
“We need to have one eye on what is coming and physically there is nothing that compares to playing South African teams.
“The guys put a shift in on Saturday and I was proud of the effort. We can be better, and this is an opportunity for another group of 23 players.”
Dragons - currently preparing in Cape Town – are also waiting on further medical updates on centre Aneurin Owen after he was forced off against Stormers with a leg injury.
“He went to hospital straight after the game and there was no break. He’s had a scan and we are waiting to see what that reveals,” added Flanagan.
“The first thought was that there was a broken bone somewhere and now it's to check the ligaments, but it wasn’t a nice injury to see his knee hyperextend.
“We should know more by the tail-end of this week but it was good news there was no break and hopefully the ligaments will be ok.”
