Scarlets hooker Ryan Elias was Lake’s deputy through the autumn internationals however has missed the final three weeks due to a neck harm, together with his area hoping he is perhaps match for mid-January.
Cardiff’s Evan Lloyd was additionally within the Wales squad in November, whereas Dragons hooker Elliot Dee made his first appearances of the season within the defeat in opposition to Cardiff on 26 December after recovering from an ankle drawback.
One hooker who says he’s nonetheless accessible for Wales is Lake’s Ospreys team-mate Sam Parry, who left the nationwide coaching squad in June in controversial circumstances.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he didn’t imply to “disrespect” Parry after the 33-year-old selected to go away the squad earlier than the summer time worldwide in opposition to South Africa at Twickenham and two-Check tour of Australia.
Parry’s determination got here after being advised by Gatland he was a fringe member of the get together when the squad got here collectively and he was solely going to be performing cowl for Wales’ different three hookers.
Gatland claims he was being trustworthy with Parry about the place he stood within the Wales pecking order.
Parry maintains he nonetheless has worldwide ambitions.
“I am accessible,” mentioned Parry. “I would like to [play for Wales] however whether or not the those who choose it see it like that, I do not actually know. However I am accessible and hopefully if I carry out adequate, we’ll see what occurs.
“I deal with myself and enjoying for the Ospreys. As quickly as you get caught up in considering if I’ve bought an opportunity right here or if I’ll get picked, it does not occur.”
When requested instantly what occurred in the summertime, Parry replied: “It is a kind of issues. That was this summer time.
“What occurred, occurred. Individuals view it in another way. They’re entitled to their opinions. That is gone now. It’s a new season and a contemporary begin.”