2005 and 2009 Test Lion Gethin Jenkins is hoping to return to action before the end of the season.
The 76-times capped loosehead prop has been sidelined since January following toe surgery to rectify his long-standing calf problems.
Jenkins missed the entire RBS 6 Nations campaign with Wales. But he has returned to training in the past weeks and is nearing a comeback comeback for the Cardiff Blues.
The return of the Lions powerhouse will be a major boost to the play-off chasing Blues and a relief to Wales boss Warren Gatland ahead of the World Cup warm-ups which begin in June.
"Gethin has worked very hard on his fitness," said Blues director of rugby and former three-time Lions tourist Dai Young.
"He's done a bit of skills, he's running and he's starting to do some contact. He's only three or four weeks off it now.
"He's certainly hoping to get a couple of games in towards the end of the season.
"People know me well enough to know the players come first. If he's not fit enough to play any of the games, he won't play in any of them.
"It's as simple as that. We are not going to push him back until he's ready, but he's certainly targeted games before the end of the season.
"There's no reason why he shouldn't feature in a couple of games."
Jenkins could return for the home clash with Benetton Treviso on April 21, but if not the crunch Welsh derby with the Scarlets on May 6.
