British & Irish Lion Gavin Henson faces an anxious wait this weekend for the medical bulletin that could dictate his season.
The Wales Grand Slam star is in Germany, visiting Munich-based specialist Dr Hans Muller-Wolfhart, for expert medical opinion on a groin problem that surfaced last term.
A combination of pain-killing injections and careful management enabled Henson to play throughout the 2005 Six Nations tournament and Lions tour of New Zealand.
But the 23-year-old has now decided to seek detailed advice after starting training in readiness for a possible return to action next month.
Henson, along with his Wales colleagues who toured New Zealand with the Lions, was not due to start playing again until October.
But if it is decided that he requires surgery, then Henson could face six months on the sidelines, ruling him out of Wales’ demanding autumn Test schedule and probably their entire Six Nations title defence.
That potential lay-off though, has been described as "pure speculation" by the Swansea-based Ospreys, Henson’s Welsh regional team.
Wales tackle New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Fiji in November, while their Six Nations campaign begins with a mouth-watering clash against England at Twickenham on February 4.
Henson would be a key part of Wales coach Mike Ruddock’s plans, although he does have other midfield options revolving around the likes of Sonny Parker, Mark Taylor and Ceri Sweeney.
The Ospreys would also sorely miss his presence, given they are in the same European Cup group as Stade Francais, Leicester and Clermont Auvergne.
