British and Irish Lions prop Gethin Jenkins hopes to be fit for Wales' autumn international campaign.
The Cardiff Blues player underwent a shoulder operation after being injured on Lions duty in South Africa.
Jenkins' absence would have left Wales short of options at loose-head for their Tests in November against Samoa, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.
"I'm hoping [to be back playing] by October, but maybe November," Jenkins told BBC Wales' Scrum V programme.
Wales coach Warren Gatland is already without Jenkins' fellow Lions prop Adam Jones until at least December, a date that the Ospreys player confirmed on the same show.
But the possible early return of at least one of his first-choice front row would be a huge boost for Wales.
Gatland's other prop options include the Ospreys' Duncan Jones, Blues' John Yapp, Sale's Eifion Lewis-Roberts and the Scarlets' summer recruit Rhys Thomas.
But Jenkins, who also suffered a fractured cheekbone against the Springboks, is a world-class performer who is also able to cover the tight-head position.
"I just want to get fit first, it was a long season last year," Jenkins said.
"I think everyone was carrying injuries, I think everyone does hide them so they can get on the Lions tour.
"So personally I just want to get as fit as I can when I get back playing and it's a big season for Wales again."
There was a heavy Welsh coaching influence on the Lions tour with Gatland as forwards coach and Shaun Edwards overseeing defence.
Jenkins said: "We've really got to perform in the Six Nations because people know how we play now and they'll know even more after the way the Lions played, I think."
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