Wales suffered a major setback Monday when scrum-half Dwayne Peel was ruled out of their Six Nations opener against England with a groin problem.
Peel's absence left Wales coach Warren Gatland without two senior scrum-halves as British and Irish Lion Mike Phillips has also been sidelined with injury.
Scarlets number nine Martin Roberts is now the favourite to start against England at Twickenham on February 6.
Peel, who was due to undergo a scan Monday after injuring himself playing for Sale in their European Cup defeat by Cardiff Blues on Saturday, was not even named in the 35-man Six Nations squad announced by Gatland.
Back-row forward Ryan Jones will captain Wales in the tournament and the squad features the return of several experienced players from injury in full-back Lee Byrne, prop Adam Jones and lock Ian Gough.
But Gatland, looking to next year's World Cup in his native New Zealand, has also included several up-and-coming talents in Blues scrum-half Richie Rees and Saracens prop Rhys Gill.
"We are now at the beginning of our countdown to the World Cup and this slightly larger squad reflects that," said Gatland.
"We have brought in some youngsters to put some pressure on some of our senior players and to help increase the depth we have in certain positions.
"Elsewhere we are very happy to welcome back the likes of Adam (Jones) and Lee (Byrne) who were both obviously missed in tshe Autumn, although at full-back in particular a certain James Hook provided more than ample cover.
"Our first match at Twickenham could set the tone for the Championship for both sides, we will both be desperate to win that first up match," added Gatland, whose side finished fourth, two places behind England, in last year's edition despite a 23-15 victory over the Red Rose in Cardiff
Wales, like England, were beaten by both New Zealand and Australia during their November home series, Gatland's men ending 2009 with a comprehensive 33-12 loss to the Wallabies at the Millennium Stadium.
Wales squad
Backs: Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop, Lee Byrne, Gareth Cooper, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Tom James, Stephen Jones, Kristian Phillips, Tom Prydie, Richie Rees, Jamie Roberts, Martin Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Shane Williams
Forwards: Huw Bennett, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Rhys Gill, Ian Gough, Paul James, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Deiniol Jones, Ryan Jones (capt), Eifion Lewis-Roberts, Dan Lydiate, Andy Powell, Matthew Rees, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Gareth Williams, Martyn Williams
Copyright 2010 AFP Global Edition
