Wales v Australia: Injured Alex Cuthbert 'assessed' by Wales

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Wing Alex Cuthbert
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Wing Alex Cuthbert

Wing Alex Cuthbert is back with Wales and is being "assessed" ahead of Saturday's game with Australia.

The British and Irish Lions wing had been expected to miss the whole of the autumn series with an ankle injury picked up playing for Cardiff Blues.

As well as Cuthbert, 23, Ospreys forward James King has been called up to train with Wales.

King made his Wales debut on the summer tour to Japan and was part of the 2013 Six Nations Championship squad.

Blues director of rugby Phil Davies confirmed Cuthbert has "recovered well" and is back with Wales, but added he does not know if the 6ft 5in wing will return against the Wallabies.

"He may be involved next week, but I am not sure," said the Blues boss.

"We are not sure what his actual status is but it is encouraging for us with the Heineken Cup around the corner."

The Welsh Rugby Union said: "The Blues and WRU medical staff have been working closely together to ensure Alex returns to fitness as quickly and safely as possible.

"He will continue to be assessed by the WRU medics this week."

Cuthbert has been a prolific try-scorer at international level, crossing nine times in 18 matches for Wales, including two in the 30-3 Six Nations title win against England in March, but has missed the three autumn internationals so far, against South Africa, Argentina and Tonga.

Cuthbert suffered an ankle injury while playing for the Cardiff Blues against Exeter in the Heineken Cup back in October.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has already lost a number of key players both before and during this autumn campaign.

Lock Bradley Davies has had a shoulder operation and will be sidelined for several months and Blues team-mate Cory Allen, who injured his shoulder in the same game, has also had an operation.

The pair join Jonathan Davies, Adam Jones, Eli Walker, Rhys Patchell and Jamie Roberts on the sidelines with injuries sustained this month.

Wales will also be without fly-half James Hook and lock Luke Charteris, both of Perpignan, and Bath's Paul James after they returned to their clubs because the Wallaby match falls outside the International Rugby Board's Test window.

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