Wales coach Warren Gatland has accused the media of a conspiracy theory over the condition of centre Gavin Henson.

Henson withdrew with an Achilles problem on Friday, with Wales attack coach Rob Howley saying the centre was not physically and mentally prepared.

At a news conference to announce the team to face Canada, Gatland fielded questions about the star's well-being.

"Is there some sort of conspiracy theory that you guys are trying to dream up?" Gatland asked.

Doubts arose over Henson after he pulled out of the South Africa match just 24 hours before kick-off when Howley's comments opened up speculation about the centre's state of mind.

Henson sat out training in the run-up to the South Africa game

Gatland rebutted these at Monday's news conference.

"Gavin is the type of player that needs to get a few things under his belt and be 100% fit when he plays," Gatland told journalists.

"If he is carrying a niggle, some players are like that, they don't have the confidence to go out and play if they are not 100% fit.

"He (Howley) was talking about his mental frame of mind in terms of self-belief or confidence. He was purely relating it to the injury."

There are now doubts that Henson will play any part in the autumn series games against New Zealand (22 November) and Australia (29 November).

606: DEBATE How much are Wales missing Henson?

"He has got to have a scan and see a specialist and we will know after that."

Gatland has named a side against Canada showing 12 changes from the side that lost to the Springboks.

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