Centre Gavin Henson has been on the sidelines for Wales last eight games © Getty Images

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Wales have received a double boost ahead of their Six Nations trip to France with the news that both wing Shane Williams and centre Gavin Henson are expected to be fit for the clash.

Williams, the IRB Player of the Year who has scored 45 tries in 62 Tests, missed Wales' 23-15 victory over England at the weekend after injuring his ankle in the tournament-opening win against Scotland. Henson has missed Wales' last eight games with a calf injury sidelining him for both Wales' Six Nations opener against Scotland and the win over England. Neither player is expected to feature for the Ospreys in their Magners league clash with Connacht this weekend but are set to be ready for Wales' Friday night fixture in Paris.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is also expected to discover the results of Jamie Roberts' precautionary shoulder scan within the next 24 hours. Roberts suffered the injury two minutes from time in Wales' bruising win against England at the Millennium Stadium.

"I am hoping it won't be that serious," Roberts said after the match. "It was really hurting towards the end of the game. I was absolutely battered and bruised at the end and it was the toughest game I have ever played in."

Gatland has released six players from national squad duty back to Magners League action this weekend.The Ospreys will have Jonathan Thomas, who has recovered from shoulder problems, and Andrew Bishop available to face Connacht at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Bradley Davies, Robin Sowden-Taylor and John Yapp return to the Blues for their clash with Glasgow while Rhys Thomas has been released to play for the Dragons against Ulster.

Scrum-halves Gareth Cooper and Dwayne Peel have both had to return to their Guinness Premiership clubs, Gloucester and Sale Sharks respectively.