Taulupe Faletau has been released from the Wales squad back to Bath in order to train with his club side and prepare for their Aviva Premiership fixture against Bristol on Friday night.
The back-row forward has been sidelined since damaging his knee playing for Bath in September, with Ross Moriarty replacing him at No 8 in the starting XV against Australia and Argentina.
Faletau will once again sit out Wales' game against Japan in Cardiff on Saturday, but he could be in contention for the clash with South Africa the following weekend as he will link back up with the national squad next Monday.
"Taulupe has progressed excellently with his recovery and he has been released back to Bath this week to prepare for their game against Bristol on Friday night," said Wales head coach Rob Howley.
"We have a good working relationship with Bath and our medical team, led by Prav (Mathema), have been working closely and in unison with the team at Bath and it is pleasing that Taulupe is in line to make his return for them this week and will link back up with us on Monday."