Sam Parry: Wales hope hooker dispute ‘is water under bridge’ before Six Nations

Other front-row concerns include the tight-head prop position, with Bath’s Archie Griffin unavailable following shoulder surgery and Leon Brown having recently retired.

WillGriff John has been recalled despite having not played for Wales since 2021.

He has made just one start for Sale this season with four further replacement appearances.

John was released by Scarlets at the end of the 2022-23 season and was picked up by Racing 92 before returning to Sale.

The 32-year-old has played two internationals and would normally be ineligible for selection because of the Welsh Rugby Union’s 25-cap policy.

That states those playing outside Wales are required to have 25 caps to represent their country.

The WRU say John is exempt because when he left Scarlets, there was no offer from any of the four Welsh domestic professional sides to try to keep him in Wales.

John is named alongside Keiron Assiratti and Henry Thomas, with the trio only having 16 Wales caps between them.

“WillGriff John has been on the bench and he has not had a lot of game time,” said Gatland.

“We are limited in the options we have at tight-head. That is one position that has caused us headaches.”

There is no room for Harlequins tight-head Dillon Lewis who has made 57 international appearances.

“We spoke about Dillon but he has not been playing, he has had some injury issues with his back and things,” said Gatland.

“It was disappointing to lose Leon Brown and I wish him all the best in terms of his retirement.

“He worked so hard to try and get back but unfortunately the neck problems would not go away.”