Will Henson ever return to Ospreys colours? © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Ospreys focused on life without Henson

News: Henson injury nightmare continues

News: Henson denies retirement rumours

News: Henson fears for playing future

Players/Officials: Tommy Bowe | Gavin Henson | Nikki Walker

Tournaments/Tours: Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

Injury-plagued Gavin Henson has been granted indefinite leave by the Ospreys as rumours of his imminent retirement resurface.

The Western Mail reports that the Welsh international centre, a member of the Grand Slam-winning side of 2005 and 2008, is set to take an extended break from the game with club officials in the dark as to when the player will return.

The 27-year-old did not attend the official team photo opportunity on Tuesday with no reason given for his absence. Hooker Richard Hibbard and wingers Tommy Bowe and Nikki Walker were also missing but were excused due to a family bereavement and international commitments respectively.

Henson's no-show followed his withdrawal from the Ospreys' media open day eight days ago, when he was the only squad player not to turn up.

Club officials have told the newspaper that Henson has been given special dispensation to remain away from the Liberty Stadium to "sort himself out" after months of injury-related woe dating back to his latest set-back in the Ospreys' Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final defeat to Gloucester in March.

The centre has has reaffirmed his commitment to the region and Wales in a statement.

"I fully anticipate returning to the Ospreys before too long having finally overcome the injuries that have been a recurring problem for nearly three years," he said. "I'm grateful to the Ospreys' management for proving me with the time needed for these injuries to be finally dealt with and I'm looking forward to getting on with my playing career at the Ospreys just as soon as I can."

The unlucky Henson, who has featured in just 23 of the Ospreys' 59 games in the last two seasons, admitted earlier this year that he had considered quitting but subsequently issued a denial last month.

"I do have thoughts about it (quitting) but would I miss it (rugby)?" he said in April. "When I'm out injured I think: 'Is it worth it?' I do like playing the game, but the other side of it is not as enjoyable as it once was. I still dream about having good games. The only thing keeping me going is the thought of playing games.

"It's a complete nightmare. I just can't believe my luck. I'm just pretty down and depressed about it. I'm receiving the best medical care to help me address the injury problem, and I'm sure that I will be able to put it behind me in the very near future."