Henson has not played since damaging his ankle last April and has been put on indefinite leave.

The injury-blighted Wales centre failed to appear for training during the summer and his silence since has plunged his future into doubt.

Ospreys captain Jones admitted the region's only option was to omit the 27-year-old from their Heineken Cup squad and claimed they must come to terms with his absence as quickly as possible.

“The situation with Gavin hasn't changed. We'll wait and see what happens," said the Wales skipper.

“Gavin hasn't been training with us and you can't include someone in the squad if they haven't been training.

“I haven't spoken to him for a while but he's been in contact with a few of the boys and the management. I'm just getting on with it and will catch up with him soon.

“The situation with him is not a distraction for the team or myself. There are people far higher up the food chain who are dealing with it.

“There's so much else to focus on. The boys we have got are working really hard and we've got to move on from Gavin.

“We can't dwell on him or use his situation as an excuse for anything that happens.”

Jones wished Henson a speedy recovery from his ongoing injury problems and admitted the Ospreys, who open their Heineken Cup campaign at Leicester on October 11, would feel his loss keenly.

“I like Gav as a person and think he's a world class rugby player. When he's on form he's a huge plus to have in the squad," he said.

“I sincerely hope he gets himself sorted and returns as quickly as possible so that he can show what's he's capable of.

“He's a big loss because he's a big personality and character. You need people like that in a competition like the Heineken Cup.”

A major doubt may hang over Henson, but Jones insisted the Ospreys' future looks bright with the emergence of players such as fly-half Dan Biggar, back row Tom Smith, centre Andrew Bishop and centre Ashley Beck.

“This is an exciting time for the Ospreys. There are some fantastic youngsters coming through who are getting exposure and will be world class too," he said.

“There comes a point where they've got to play and what better way to cut your cloth than going up to Leicester in the opening game and performing.”