Jones expected to be fit

Wales captain Stephen Jones will have every chance of recovering from a heavy blow to the head in time for Saturday's Six Nations clash with England at the Millennium Stadium.

Jones required four stitches above his left eye and suffered problems with his vision after taking a punch during last weekend's 23-20 defeat to Italy.

Azzurri flanker Mauro Bergamasco has been cited for allegedly striking Jones with a swinging arm 28 minutes into the game.

His disciplinary hearing is scheduled for later today in London and, if found guilty, the Stade Francais star could miss Italy's final match of the championship against Ireland.

But Wales are confident Jones will be available to face England as they go in search of a first Six Nations victory of a miserable campaign.

Team physio Mark Davies explained: "As a consequence of a punch to the head Stephen suffered a laceration to his eyebrow which was stitched, but took most of the impact to the eye socket.

"This became painful, restricting full vision. He was fine to resume playing in the second half but he was forced to withdraw early as the eye became progressively more irritable.

"We are evaluating Stephen on a daily basis with a view to the problem resolving and him resuming full training. The issue should resolve itself during the course the week."

Davies was also able to confirm that prop Chris Horsman (foot) and hooker Matthew Rees (calf) will also be available for selection.

Head coach Gareth Jenkins will name his team at 1.35pm today.

If Jones does not make the game, Jenkins would almost certainly look to switch James Hook from inside centre to outhalf.

There had been calls for the skipper to be rested this weekend anyway, whether fit to play or not.

Jones has not won any of the six Tests he has started as captain since being appointed as Gareth Thomas's replacement ahead of the autumn international series.

Wales legend Phil Bennett has argued: "It does a player no good to keep losing because confidence starts to wane and you get into a vicious circle of defeat and dented self-belief."