NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are likely to be without four of their Wales stars for the important Celtic League fixture at home to Ulster on Friday.

Shoulder injuries are likely to prevent lock Ian Gough and scrum half Gareth Cooper returning to the Dragons while wing Hal Luscombe left the field during Wales' win in Italy on Saturday with a hamstring injury and number eight Michael Owen is not being released because of his importance to the Wales cause.

Cooper's likely loss could leave the Dragons with a scrum half problem as Gareth Baber is carrying a groin injury which, said Dragons team manager Jim McCreedy, was "causing some concern."

"Hopefully he will be OK, but we will leave a decision until the final team run-out on Thursday," McCreedy said.

Luke Charteris and three other Dragons members of the Wales squad, hooker Steve Jones, full back/wing Kevin Morgan and outside half Ceri Sweeney, are set to return against Ulster.

Charteris has been out for most of the season for one reason or another but his damaged ribs have improved sufficiently for him to be allowed a run out.

Luscombe's hamstring injury is responding to treatment and he should be available for the France game which is more than can be said of Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones who has been ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations with a pelvic injury.

Jones was a late withdrawal from the squad which travelled to Italy after aggravating a groin problem and has been told to rest for six weeks.

"Dafydd has a pelvic condition known as Osteitis Pubis which is currently preventing him from running," said Wales physio Mark Davies.

He added: "Ryan Jones is progressing well with the A/C joint injury to his shoulder and is taking part in fitness and conditioning training this week.

"He will be reviewed and, subject to a fitness test, should be in contention for selection to face France. "Colin Charvis is not likely to return from his foot injury in time to travel to France, but should be able to undertake light training next week.

"Sonny Parker's neck injury remains an issue and he is not currently involved in any contact training. He will be continually monitored and will be tested again next week."

Martyn Williams, a Wales star against Italy having been doubtful with a knee injury, came through the match with little reaction.

Neath/Swansea Ospreys prop Duncan Jones is set to be released to play for his region this weekend after recovering from a broken thumb.