The injury-plagued British Lions and Wales scrum half Peel missed the summer tour to South Africa with a shoulder problem and last featured for Gatland in the RBS Six Nations win over Italy in February.
But the 61-times capped star has resumed training with the Guinness Premiership side, and that could open the door for an international return in the autumn.
Peel, 26, said: “I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I’ll be fit for the start of the season. There was a doubt but the surgery and rehab have gone well.
“All I want is an injury-free season for club and country. I still want to play for Wales and that doesn’t change by moving to Sale. It is just a case of playing club rugby in the Guinness Premiership.”
Peel has settled into his new surroundings in Manchester, by moving into All Blacks star Luke McAllister’s house. And while his search for a new home is ongoing, he hopes lightning will not strike twice in the Heineken Cup this season.
Peel added: “I was in the same group as Munster and Clermont Auvergne last year with Llanelli Scarlets. I don’t think we should fear Munster or Clermont, we’ll give them as much respect as they deserve.
“Munster are a special team in Europe, they’ve won the competition and perform exceptionally well every year but I think they’ll be looking at our squad and saying that we’ve got a very strong squad as well.”
