LONDON Welsh hope to have Gavin Henson back for their Christmas clash with Wasps at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.

The 30-year-old fly half initially aggravated a back injury during Welsh’s Aviva Premiership victory over Bath last month, but then picked up a calf knock in training.

Welsh say Henson should be available “around Christmas”, with the Wasps match taking place on Saturday, December 29.

Centre Hudson Tonga’uiha, however, is not expected back until the end of March after his shoulder dislocation against London Irish.

The Exiles are not sure about a return date for Romanian international prop Paulica Ion, who is seeing a specialist about a knee ligament injury.

Hooker Gareth Evans, lock Martin Purdy and back-row forward Ed Williamson are expected back in the new year after knee injuries.

Welsh head coach Lyn Jones said he was confident his squad could cope with the absences.

“Competition is an important thing,” said Jones. “It helps keep players on their toes.

“We have got a big squad and that’s what we have gone for this year, to deal with situations like this.

“Moving into the Premiership, we knew this would be the case.

“We are disappointed that a number of key people are out, but it offers an opportunity for others.” London Welsh’s next game is at home to Grenoble in the Amlin Challenge Cup tomorrow.

Welsh must win to keep alive their hopes of progressing from Pool 5.