WALES' star number eight Taulupe Faletau is "progressing well" from his latest injury, according to assistant coach Robin McBryde.

But a decision over whether the Bath forward is fit to be involved against opening RBS 6 Nations opponents Italy in Rome on February 5 is unlikely to be rushed.

Faletau missed three of Wales' autumn Tests this season after suffering a knee injury on his Aviva Premiership debut two months earlier.

And then he was laid low by a knee problem picked up during Bath's game against Wasps on Christmas Eve, putting a question mark over his early Six Nations prospects.

McBryde reported that Faletau is running in training, although Wales' forwards specialist ruled out a possible return to action when Bath face Anglo-Welsh Cup opponents Gloucester on Friday.

"It's going the right way, but it's a bit too early to say yea or nay for Italy," McBryde said.

"But he won't be playing this weekend - that would be rushing it.

"Let's see how he is 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 (Italy).

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