British & Irish Lions centre Gavin Henson has backed Wales to overcome their mounting casualty list and continue their revival during the November internationals.
On Tuesday night, Henson was ruled out of the autumn Tests against New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa and Australia after undergoing surgery in Germany on a long-standing groin problem.
The 23-year-old joins prop Gethin Jenkins on the sidelines while winger Shane Williams, another key component of the Grand Slam champions’ line-up, is also battling to overcome a groin injury.
But Henson, who now faces an eight-week conditioning and rehabilitation programme, is confident Wales will soak up the losses and continue where they left off in last season’s RBS 6 Nations.
"The injuries are a little worrying, but we have real strength in depth these days. Wales will give a very good account of themselves," he said.
Henson revealed he has been troubled by his groin injury for the past 12 months but is feeling far more positive following the surgery.
"The injury has been there in the background for a full year,’ he told the Western Mail.
"It was like pulling back the curtains and letting in the light when I woke up in Munich after the surgery and the symptoms were gone.
"Everything is much easier. Next I must just do the correct rehab work to calm the original injury down. It was getting me down but I am very optimistic again for the future."
