Henson will play no part in the all-Wales Magners League derby with the Dragons on Friday, but the Ospreys medical team is hopeful that he will be involved against Edinburgh next week, with Andrew Bishop retaining his place in Henson’s continued absence.
“Friday night’s game looks sure to be another tough challenge, Welsh derby matches always are, but it is a fixture that we must win if we are to achieve our double aims of Heineken Cup qualification for next season and to finish as the highest placed Welsh side, ” said Ospreys boss Lyn Jones.
“We have two games on the sides immediately above us, both against the Dragons, and if we can win both of those we will move up to 4th place, ahead of the Scarlets, so the message we will be giving the players ahead of the match will be a simple one; go out there and win.
“There is no question about it that we will be paying full respect to the Dragons despite their recent form. It is likely that they will include nine players in their starting fifteen who have experienced international rugby over the last two seasons so they have experience and talent.
“I’ve no doubt that they will be fired up for this match, given that it is a local derby and Heineken Cup qualification is at stake, so we must ensure that we do a professional job and secure the points as efficiently as possible.”
Ospreys: Lee Byrne; Johnny Vaughton, Sonny Parker, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams; James Hook, Justin Marshall; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Filo Tiatia, Marty Holah, Ryan Jones (Capt)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Gareth Owen, Jonathan Spratt, Aled Brew
