DRAGONS back row forward Ross Moriarty is in contention to face the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Wales international limped off early in the second half of the Boxing Day derby defeat to Cardiff Blues after suffering a blow to the leg.

Moriarty, on his first Dragons start of the season after his World Cup exploits, took a bang when carrying the ball at the end of the first half and limped off soon after the resumption.

However, the 25-year-old from Swansea could be back in action against the Ospreys in Newport this weekend. Moriarty has been linked with a move to the Liberty Stadium next season.

South Wales Argus:

"Ross is alright, he got a dead calf and having a few extra days over the weekend helped and we got him moving in training," said director of rugby Dean Ryan. "At the moment there is nothing to indicate that it's long-term."

The Dragons will still be without wing Owen Jenkins after he missed the Blues derby with an ankle injury suffered in the dramatic win against the Scarlets.

That leaves the starting trio from the capital – Will Talbot-Davies, Jared Rosser and Ashton Hewitt – plus centre Adam Warren as the only senior options in the back three.

The Dragons are also resting influential back rower Ollie Griffiths after he suffered a leg injury in training ahead of the festive period.

The 24-year-old from Newbridge, who is hoping to get a Six Nations call-up in January, is getting a number of niggles sorted.

The Dragons still have a wealth of back row options with Wales internationals Moriarty and Wainwright, Taine Basham, Harrison Keddie and Huw Taylor battling for selection against the Ospreys.

Ryan said: "Ollie's absence is more deliberate by us. We have probably pushed him for Wales (versus the Barbarians in November) and a couple of games for us, which was right at the time.

"Now, with everyone on deck, it is right to try and get some of those things that are sitting underneath with him right.

"If we had to, we could probably get Ollie out there but I don't think it would be right for the next six months.

"We've got to stay strong in getting things right for Ollie and make sure he is ready to fly in the new year.

"What is important is we get rid of some of the underlying things, otherwise we are just going from game to game and that doesn't help anyone."

The Dragons name their team on Friday with Ryan likely to bring back Wales front rowers Elliot Dee and Leon Brown after they were given roles as impact subs in Cardiff.

Samoa lock Brandon Nansen, who made his first appearance off the bench against the Scarlets, is fit but may not dislodge the trio of Cory Hill, Joe Davies and Matthew Screech.