Boss Dean Ryan has revealed that back row duo Ross Moriarty and Harrison Keddie are closing in on first team returns.
Wales international Moriarty has been ruled out of action since suffering an ankle injury while on international duty in the autumn.
Impressive back row forward Keddie also missed the recent clash with Leinster on home soil. However, Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan hopes both could now come into contention for the league clash with Zebre on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.15pm UK).
"Ross is closer, Ollie (Griffiths) is probably a couple of weeks away," said Ryan. "Harri is also back training with us this week, which is a real positive.
"We have got to make sure we get it right because we have been without some influential players for a long time now and we don't want to chase that too quickly and lose them again.
"What I like about Ross in training is that he is vocal and contributes a huge amount.
"His impact is huge, not only in his contributions but the security of hearing his voice on the field and his motivation of others. Having him back as an option is significant."
Looking ahead to the weekend’s clash at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Ryan acknowledges his Dragons need to back up an encouraging performance against champions Leinster with a positive result in Italy.
"Getting the Dragons to compete against the best sides is a crucial stage in us getting better," he added.
"We have to accept that sometimes we are not in the same place as those sides and we have to continue to learn.
"I think that we have done that quite well but what we have got to do is convert those opportunities when we might be more competitive like this weekend.
"There is always the desire to win and there will be an expectation to convert that into a W."
His impact is huge, not only in his contributions but the security of hearing his voice on the field and his motivation of others. Having him back as an option is significant...
