Cardiff prop Keiron Assiratti and Ospreys tight-head Ben Warren are other options in the squad with WillGriff John unavailable because of injury.
Bath’s Archie Griffin wore the Wales number three jersey in the three autumn defeats but has been ruled out because of shoulder surgery.
Ben Thomas is expected to be named at fly-half with centres Nick Tompkins and Owen Watkin in line to form an experienced midfield with uncapped Ospreys number 10 Dan Edwards in line to make his debut from the bench.
Liam Williams missed last year’s Six Nations but could return to bolster the back three alongside in form Josh Adams.
A comeback for number eight Taulupe Faletau could see the World Cup back-row first-choice trio of Aaron Wainwright and captain Jac Morgan reunited.
Wales will hope Dragons back-row Wainwright will shrug off any injury concerns.
Gatland will name his squad on Wednesday which is set to show major changes from the starting side that lost 45-12 to South Africa in Cardiff in November 2024.
Wales have lost a record 12 Tests in a row with the last international victory coming against Georgia in the World Cup in October 2023.
