Chris Paterson will return to Edinburgh © Getty Images

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Scotland fullback Chris Paterson will return to Edinburgh on Friday after being discharged from hospital in Cardiff.

Paterson, Scotland's record caps holder, suffered a serious kidney injury in defeat to Wales last weekend and has spent several days recuperating after being discharged on Tuesday. Winger Thom Evans underwent a successful second surgery on his neck injury sustained in the same game and is progressing well.

"Thom is in good spirits and the surgeons are delighted with his progress," Scotland team doctor James Robson said."Thom has asked me to pass on his heart-felt thanks to the thousands of people who have expressed their support.

"At this stage I would expect that, if Thom's recovery continues in the same vein, he will be able to return home next week."

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has been boosted ahead of their vital fixture with Italy by the return of lock Nathan Hines and flanker Alasdair Strokosch to the squad. Edinburgh wing Simon Webster has been invited to join the squad following injuries to Paterson, Evans and Toulon's Rory Lamont, who suffered a knee injury against Wales.

Scotland squad to face Italy at the Stadio Flaminio, February 27:

Backs - Mike Blair, Ben Cairns (both Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Alex Grove (Worcester Warriors), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison, Dan Parks (both Glasgow Warriors), Mark Robertson (Edinburgh), Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Nikki Walker (Ospreys)

Forwards - John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie, Kelly Brown (all Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford, Roddy Grant (both Edinburgh), Scott Gray (Northampton Saints), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Scott MacLeod, Alan MacDonald (both Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester), Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors)