Gavin Henson: Bristol fly-half's injury return 'just around the corner'

Gavin Henson kicked two conversions in Bristol's opening game of the season at Harlequins

Bristol fly-half Gavin Henson's return from injury is "just around the corner" after nearly six weeks out, says forwards coach Mark Bakewell.

The 34-year-old, who won 33 caps for Wales between 2001 and 2011, has played in just one Premiership match so far this season.

He came off less than 30 minutes into their season opener at Harlequins with a "bruised bone and tearing" around it.

"He's running, and running really well," Bakewell told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's one of the 'how long is a piece of string?' injuries, because bruised bone and tear around it is something that can be a week, can be eight weeks or can be 10 weeks.

"He's just around the corner and doing everything he can. He's been really good in his application to try to get himself back."

Bristol have lost all six of their league games since returning to the top flight, although director of rugby Andy Robinson felt they "highlighted their ability to compete" in Saturday's 19-14 loss at Newcastle Falcons.

That defeat left Bristol bottom of the Premiership table, with a home league match against Sale to come in October after Challenge Cup fixtures against Cardiff Blues and Bath.

"It is tailor-made for his comeback. Everyone knows how much experience Gavin has got," Bakewell added. "There's an opportunity for a guy like him to step in and show all that experience."