Ospreys coach Sean Holley admits a fit and eager Gavin Henson would be welcome back in the Welsh region's squad.

But Holley says other players have filled the gap left by Henson's self-imposed exile from professional rugby.

"Clearly Gav's form in the past has shown that he'd be an asset to any team but I can't dwell on that," he said.

"But... younger players step up, people like Andrew Bishop, James Hook have stepped up into the 12 role this year and done really, really well."

Wales coach Warren Gatland has said he also hopes Henson might reconsider his unpaid sabbatical from playing.

"That's status quo, Gav's on unpaid leave, haven't seen him training, haven't heard from him," Holley said.

"That's in the past and I have to deal with the now and that starts with Munster on the weekend.

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"My focus is on the squad here at the moment, it has to be. That's no disrespect to anybody, it has to be with the injuries we have and the important games coming up.

"We as a coaching team have to focus on our players here and I suppose I've just got to 'watch this space' as to what happens and any decisions there.

"But clearly that's down to Gav and we'll have to wait and see."

The Ospreys have this weekend's Magners League game at home to Munster and then return to Heineken Cup action, away at Viadana on 12 December and then home to the Italians the following week.

As well as the continuing absence of Henson, Holley is without injured British and Irish Lions stars Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, Adam Jones and Lee Byrne, plus Wales lock Ian Evans.

Wing Williams is expected to be out for up to six weeks, scrum-half Phillips is "longer-term", full-back Byrne is on course for a Christmas return, while prop Jones could make the return match with Viadana.

Evans is "close" to full fitness and flanker Ben Lewis will return to action this weekend, albeit with Welsh Premiership side Swansea.

But the Ospreys are hopeful that back-row Ryan Jones, a late withdrawal for Wales loss to Australia last weekend with a back niggle, will be fit for selection against Munster.

"We've got the opportunity to play Munster, obviously a fantastic team and we're only a week then from the next round of the Heineken Cup," Holley added.

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