Liam Williams set to miss next two Wales matches but could return for Six Nations clash with England

Full-back unlikely to face Ireland this weekend and the round three encounter against France but could return in time for the trip to Twickenham on 7 March

Wales full-back Liam Williams is set to miss a further two Six Nations matches after failing to recover from ankle surgery as quickly as initially predicted, but the Saracens back could yet return to face England in their penultimate championship fixture.

The 28-year-old has not played since undergoing an operation in Japan following last autumn’s Rugby World Cup after suffering the ankle injury in an accidental training collision ahead of the semi-final defeat by South Africa.

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall had initially hoped to see the former Scarlets star back to full fitness in time for the start of the Six Nations, but his rehabilitation has not progressed fast enough to do so, resulting in Williams sitting out last Saturday’s 42-0 rout of Italy.

Now hopes for a return against Ireland have been dashed after Wales’ defence coach Byron Hayward confirmed that he is not yet in the running to return to action, and he also looks set to miss the round three encounter against France.

"He's struggling a bit ... it's probably a bit too early for Liam," said Hayward. "We're looking at the fourth and fifth game for when he'll be available.

"The boys went well last weekend, Leigh (Halfpenny) had a great game at full back, though it would be nice to get Liam back."

His updated return schedule means that the British and Irish Lion could return in time to face England at Twickenham on 7 March, although whether head coach Wayne Pivac would be willing to select him straight away without any competitive rugby under his belt remains to be seen.

Wales wrap up their campaign against Scotland on 14 March in Cardiff, and Williams will be closely monitored with a view to returning before the end of the championship – even though he has not played a single match for Saracens this season.

Hayward also confirmed that hooker Elliot Dee, scrum-half Gareth Davies and centre Owen Watkin are all available for selection against Ireland this Saturday in a meeting between two of the three unbeaten sides left in the Six Nations.