Dafydd Jones has been sidelined since playing for Wales in November

Flanker Dafydd Jones expects to find out this week if and when he can return to action after his shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old Scarlet has not played since picking up the problem after coming on as a replacement in Wales' defeat to New Zealand last November.

"It's been a long and a very tough time for him, we've been very supportive," said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.

"We're very encouraged he'll come back, we'll know soon enough, but we have to wait for the medical advice."

Injuries have plagued 42-cap Jones' career and he also missed Wales' June 2006 tour to Argentina after surgery on another shoulder problem.

I've got all the motivation I need to get back to fitness as soon as I can with the World Cup coming up Dafydd Jones

The Aberystwyth-born player admitted his frustration in the summer, but said that his ultimate goal was to get back to the form he was showing at the start of last season in readiness for the 2011 World Cup.

"I've got all the motivation I need to get back to fitness as soon as I can with the World Cup coming up and just look forward to playing back with the Scarlets boys again," he said.

"We've got a great team building down here at Parc y Scarlets and hopefully, by doing well for the Scarlets, I'll be back for Wales as well."

Jones has not been named in the Scarlets' 38-man Heineken Cup squad for the opening four rounds of the competition, but he can be added if he comes back sooner than expected.

His absence was felt acutely by Wales last season, who had few challengers for Jonathan Thomas in the blind-side jersey.

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