The 23-year-old centre has not played since sustaining a foot injury in the penultimate game of last season.
But Smith is now finally in line for a place on the bench for Friday’s Magners League trip to Benetton Treviso.
“It’s been very frustrating”, said Smith
“But it’s only four weeks into the season so I suppose it isn’t too bad. Two of the pre-season friendlies were also away so I didn’t see them. I’ve only lost four games so on that front it hasn’t been too bad. But it is frustrating.
“It’s five and half months since it happened, in the Cardiff Blues game here at the end of last season.
“They call it a lisfranc injury – I tore the ligaments in the middle of my foot with a dislocation as well. I had to have two screws put in to stabalise it for three months, then I had the screws out and I’ve been doing rehab since.
“I’ve done a fair bit of fitness with the head of conditioning Alex Lawson but obviously nothing prepares you for an actual game. It’s what I need and hopefully I’ll come through.”
The news is a welcome boost for the Dragons who have been without a number of leading players in the opening weeks of the season.
Smith has made 45 Magners League appearances to date and has become an integral member of the side.
“It’s very good to have him back,” said Dragons backs coach Darren Edwards.
“It’s good to have any player back at the moment. It’s a big boost – Ashley was a good performer for us last year.
“Ashley can make a difference. He is a great communicator in attack and defence. If you are organised you defend better.
“Hopefully Ash will help us with the process we are on at the moment. It’s great to have him back.”
