WALES boss Warren Gatland remains hopeful that Liam Williams will be fit for the World Cup after revealing the wing/full-back will be sidelined for 10 weeks, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Scarlets star will miss the two warm-up Tests against Ireland in August, meaning he won’t take to the field before the final 31 is named for England 2015.

Williams will stay at home and work with his region’s medical team while his Wales colleagues are put through their paces in Switzerland over the coming weeks but is likely to join them in the second of their rigorous camps in Qatar.

The 24-year-old was an influential member of the Six Nations XV after replacing Alex Cuthbert on the wing and Gatland will be keen to include him in his final squad even if he hasn’t enjoyed any game time.

“He could be out for 10 weeks, but it might not be right. Maybe he’ll be back for the Italy week,” said Gatland.

“We’ll have to make a call and see how he recovers. It’s too early. He’s only had the operation yesterday but I am optimistic.”

“It’s a shame he’s picked up the injury because I think the time together would have been good,” continued Gatland.

“He’s going to spend a bit of time with the Scarlets and we’re going to condition him off his feet! Fingers crossed, he’ll show some positive signs and maybe we can get him back in contention.”

Gatland will hope that Williams can make the cut after losing influential outside centre Jonathan Davies to knee ligament damage.

“If we picked another couple of injuries in the centres it would cause us a few problems,” admitted Gatland, who has selected uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons midfield options Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan.

“We are probably (not like) one or two other nations with the depth they have and players to call on. But it’s always been the challenge for us.

“We know with a full, fit squad how potentially strong we can be. But injuries to two or three key players in the same position potentially causes us a few problems.

“We’re aware of that and hopefully we won’t pick up too many along the way. You always know you are going to lose one or two players during a campaign because they pick up injuries, but it’s always difficult to lose them before you start.

“The fact that we’ve lost Jonathan and potentially Liam is a little bit of a blow to us, but hopefully we are not going to be hampered by too many more.”

On the plus side Gatland revealed that tighthead Samson Lee looks set to feature for Wales before their tournament opener against Uruguay in Cardiff.

"He's walking around, doing a lot of conditioning," said Gatland. "We think he's got a chance of being involved in the second game away in Ireland."