Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Henson's Lions hopes in jeopardy

Gavin Henson suffers before departing the fray at Coventry
Henson suffered ankle ligament against Gloucester on Saturday

Wales centre Gavin Henson's chances of touring with the British and Irish Lions this summer could be in doubt.

The Osprey is out for six weeks with an ankle ligament injury picked up in the EDF semi-final against Gloucester.

Lions coach Ian McGeechan names his touring party on April 21 but Henson will be sidelined until early May.

"Gavin has suffered damage to the ligaments on both the lateral and medial sides of his right ankle," said Ospreys physio Chris Towers.

"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.

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"At this stage, in light of the nature and extent of the ligament damage, we are predicting a four to six week spell on the sidelines before Gavin will be ready for action again."

Henson, who made one Test appearance for the Lions in New Zealand four years ago, has endured an injury-ravaged season, starting just two of Wales' nine internationals.

Ian Gough suffered a hip injury in the 17-0 defeat against Gloucester but the Ospreys insist the Wales lock will be fit for their Heineken Cup quarter-final.

They play defending champions Munster on Sunday, 12 April.

With Henson out and Gough doubtful the Ospreys could be seriously under-strength if for the crunch showdown at Thomond Park.

Full-back Lee Byrne is already facing a race against time to be fit, while the Ospreys are already without long-term casualties lock Ian Evans, prop Duncan Jones and Scottish wing Nikki Walker.

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Gough left the field just 26 minutes into their EDF Energy Cup defeat, while Henson departed two minutes before half-time.

On Gough's injury Towers confirmed: "Ian Gough suffered a haematoma in his hip region.

"Although the injury is low in severity, it is quite limiting in the short term. However, he will make a full recovery in time to face Munster in the Heineken Cup."

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