Ospreys sweat over Henson fitness
Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:10
Welsh Grand Slam-winner Gavin Henson is a doubtful starter ahead of Ospreys' EDF Energy Cup Final showdown with Leicester Tigers at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Wales centre limped off during the Ospreys' shock Heineken Cup quarterfinal defeat at Saracens with ligament damage in his left ankle last week.
"Gavin has ligament damage and will undergo treatment," Ospreys Director of Rugby Kevin Hopkins told BBC Sport,
"We're hopeful he will be available but it's a question of seeing how he responds and then making a decision."
If the injury causes Ospreys and Wales' Grand Slam winner to miss Saturday's Final, it would be a major blow to Ospreys coach Lyn Jones, who has come under fire after his star-studded team's European exit.
Jones will be hoping his Ospreys avenge their defeat to Leicester in last season's EDF Energy Final to ease the mounting pressure on his shoulders.
Jones is already without Wales scrumhalf Mike Phillips (knee) and Scotland winger Nikki Walker (ankle) as the Ospreys bid to salvage their season.
As the Liberty Stadium region are out of Europe and the Magners League title chase, the EDF Energy Cup is their only hope of silverware this season.
"What's important is that [the Heineken Cup] disappointment is behind us and we are moving on," said Jones.
"We have learned a huge amount since last year's EDF appearance when we just got pipped in a great contest. We have gained a lot of experiences, highs and lows, from playing them."
