Six Nations 2019: Hamish Watson & WP Nel among eight added to Scotland squad

WP Nel was injured in Scotland's opening-round Six Nations win over Italy

Fit-again flanker Hamish Watson and prop WP Nel are among eight players added to Scotland's Six Nations squad for Saturday's visit of Wales.

Watson and Nel made their comebacks from hand and calf problems on Saturday in Edinburgh's loss to Benetton.

Exeter Chiefs forward Sam Skinner, and Glasgow duo Grant Stewart and Stafford McDowall, have also been restored.

But full-back Stuart Hogg will not feature for Gregor Townsend's side as he recovers from a shoulder injury.

The British and Irish Lion suffered the damage in Scotland's second-round defeat by Ireland.

• Scotland like Wales before Warren Gatland - Jones

• Edinburgh season still alive despite Benetton blow - Cockerill

• Glasgow second half 'disappoints' Rennie

Townsend has also called up London Irish prop Gordon Reid, as well as Matt Fagerson and Byron McGuigan.

Glasgow back-row Fagerson and Sale Sharks back-three man McGuigan missed the initial squad selection through injury.

Fly-half Finn Russell played 65 minutes and scored nine points for Racing 92 in their rout La Rochelle, having missed Scotland's defeat by France with concussion.

Eight players have left the squad, with scrum-half George Horne, prop D'arcy Rae, hooker George Turner and centre Chris Dean dropping out due to injury.

Prop Alex Allan and forward Rob Harley have returned to Glasgow, back-row John Hardie is back with Newcastle Falcons while stand-off Duncan Weir has been released to Worcester Warriors.

Warren Gatland's Wales are chasing a Grand Slam after winning all three of their matches, while Scotland have a solitary victory from their trio of outings.

Watson, 27, has not featured at all in the championship after fracturing a hand in January, and his return to fitness is a major boost for Townsend.

Nel, 32, and 24-year-old Skinner were injured in the opening-round win over Italy and missed the losses to Ireland and Les Bleus.

Centre McDowall, 21, and Fagerson, a year younger, overcame ankle and shoulder injuries to score three of six Warriors tries in their thumping of Zebre.

Hooker Stewart, 24, came off the bench as Turner suffered a concussion in Parma.

Experienced loose-head Reid, 32, won the last of his 33 Scotland caps against South Africa in November, while 29-year-old McGuigan returned to action with Sale last month.

Scotland are 'dangerous underdogs'

Scotland forwards coach Danny Wilson says the incoming players give the squad a "great boost".

"The injuries have been well-documented. Finn's back in camp and training and all good, so he'll be working hard towards the weekend," Welshman Wilson added.

"When Scotland have been underdogs, they've been pretty dangerous and they have produced some outstanding performances against some of the best opposition out there.

"This is an extremely passionate group. We weren't happy with our performance [against France] and we have come back very keen to put that right. That starts with a performance full of identity and passion, and we'll need to be physical against Wales who pride themselves on their physicality."