Henson missed the loss at Leicester and was not due to face Perpignan

Gavin Henson's two-match ban was cut short so he could sit on the Ospreys bench against Perpignan on Saturday amid an injury crisis.

James Hook suffered an acute back spasm so Tommy Bowe moved to centre and Jonny Vaughton started on the wing.

The Ospreys said: "We cut short Gavin's two-game ban in recognition of the extraordinary circumstances.

"We acknowledge the good spirit in which Gavin addressed the disciplinary action and his match readiness."

The statement went on: "Hook becomes the third back to be added to a lengthy and growing injury list during the course of this week, along with Rhodri Wells and Nikki Walker.

"They joined a list which already included Sonny Parker, Gareth Owen, Mike Phillips and Jamie Nutbrown.

"Under tournament regulations, each side must name a squad of 38 players from which they can select a match-day 22.

"Once this squad has been confirmed only one additional player can be made per squad to cover 'exceptional circumstances'.

"That action that was taken by the Ospreys ahead of the Leicester Tigers, to register Rhodri Wells in the light of fitness concerns over Jamie Nutbrown and Mike Phillips.

"As a result, the Ospreys were forced to invite Gavin Henson to take the remaining place amongst the replacements as a result of his full participation in this week's training with the squad."

Henson was banned from last weekend's 12-6 defeat at Leicester.

The latest twist in the saga came after Ospreys head coach Sean Holley praised the player's good attitude while serving what was reduced from a two-game to a one-match ban.

Holley predicted Henson would return "bigger and fitter than ever".

Henson, 26, was axed for missing training after reacting poorly to criticism.

Holley said: "Gavin is a true Osprey, he has been with us from the start. He has his ups and downs like all of us, good days and bad days.

"But this week he has had a lot of good days."