Wales' wait on Jonathan Davies and Luke Charteris ahead of France clash

Wales are waiting on the fitness of centre Jonathan Davies and lock Luke Charteris ahead of Friday's Six Nations encounter against fellow unbeaten title challengers France in Cardiff.

Davies missed club side Clermont Foot's Top 14 game against Castres on Saturday with a groin injury, but trained with the Wales squad on Monday.

Second-row Charteris, meanwhile, sat out Racing 92's victory at Grenoble with a knee complaint.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley confirmed that Davies was with the squad on Monday, but added that it was too early to decide if Charteris will be fit for Friday's match.

"Jon is training this afternoon with us. Obviously, we will have to wait and see how he comes through that session," he said.

"Charteris is continuing his rehab with the medics at this moment in time, and a decision will be made later on in the week.

"He is an experienced (British and Irish) Lions player, and it will be great news if he comes through the session."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his starting line-up on Wednesday for the visit of France.

If Charteris isn't able to recover in time, he could be replaced by Wasps forward Bradley Davies. While wing George North could be moved to midfield if Davies misses out.

Another possible midfield option for Gatland appears to have been closed down, with Cardiff Blues' Cory Allen facing a scan after he was carried off during the Blues' 14-13 Guinness Pro-12 defeat against Leinster on Saturday.

Howley added: "He is due to have x-rays and scans to determine the extent of the injury. We are hopeful it won't be as bad as first thought.

"It's unfortunately the nature of the weekend between Six Nations games. It's the same for every other country. It's a difficult time."

"It's unfortunately the nature of the weekend between Six Nations games. It's the same for every other country. It's a difficult time.

"You are hoping and praying that the players released don't get injuries. Unfortunately, with Cory, we have come up a little bit short."

Howley was more upbeat on fly-half Rhys Priestland, who suffered what Howley described as a "slight dead leg" during Bath's Premiership defeat to Wasps.

Wales will go top of the Six Nations table if they win what would be a fifth successive win for Gatland's side over France. Their last defeat against Friday's opponents came in the 2011 World Cup semi-final.