The Ospreys have revealed the full extent of their injury list just two weeks ahead of the pivotal match with Munster in the Heineken Cup.
After suffering a disappointing EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Gloucester last weekend, coach Sean Holley has an even more depleted squad as it was confirmed Gavin Henson will be out for six to eight weeks.
A club press release confirms the full extent of his injury and rehabilitation. It reads: “Henson has suffered damage to the ligaments on both the lateral and medial sides of his right ankle. Although the injury is not so severe that he will require surgery, he will require a spell of at least two weeks in a walking cast before he can start to gradually get back to normal activity. At this stage, in light of the nature and extent of the ligament damage, we are predicting a 4-6 week spell on the sidelines before Gavin will be ready for action again.”
That means that the enigmatic centre, who seemed destined for greatness when he collected the IRB Junior Player of the Year award in 2001, will struggle to play again this season. And bouncing back from injury after injury is becoming harder and harder for the player, who told BBC Radio Wales reporter Phil Steele that he has to try and stay tough after his latest injury blow.
“It’s a complete nightmare again. I can’t believe my luck,” he said. “I have to go through another rehab programme and see how things go.
“I’ve had a difficult year again, it’s been the same for the past few years. I’ve probably started about eight games this season, and the year before, and the year before that.
“It’s hard to come back from these injuries,” said Henson. “But that is the sport we are in so I just have to try and stay tough.”
But better news for coach Holley is that he could call upon Wales full back Lee Byrne, who could be back in time for the crucial tie with Munster.
Byrne suffered damage to a ligament in his left foot during the final Six Nations match against Ireland last month. He is currently undergoing intensive treatment and we remain hopeful that he could be up and running for the Heineken Cup quarter final against Munster on the 12th of April.
But Jonathan Thomas has suffered a recurrence of a groin problem which has left him unable to take part in training this week. Following specialist consultation it has been concluded that it is in Jonathan’s best interests to commence a period of relative rest in order to facilitate full resolution of the problem and permit a problem free return to training and playing.
Meanwhile, Duncan Jones remains unavailable but is making great strides forward in his rehab following foot surgery. With continued progress we could see him back and available for selection towards the end of April or early May.
Ben Lewis and Ian Evans are both recovering from ACL reconstructive surgery. Both players are achieving their targets and remain on course to be fully fit and available for the start of next season.
Nikki Walker is also doing well following surgery to repair his left hamstring origin, and although he won’t feature again this season is expected be fit for the start of pre season training.
Lyndon Bateman is still in the early stages of his recovery following knee surgery and will return next season.
Kristian Phillips is recovering from surgery to repair the damage sustained following the shoulder dislocation he suffered against Leinster. He will require a 5-6 month recovery and rehabilitation process and will be targeting a return for the start of next season.
