Gavin Henson could be set for a surprise Cardiff Blues debut when they face Edinburgh in the Heineken Cup on Friday, according to the backs coach, Gareth Baber.

The Wales centre joined the Blues on an eight-month contract in October but has yet to appear for the region as he recovered from the dislocated wrist that kept him out of the World Cup.

The 29-year-old was expected to make his first appearance in the RaboDirect Pro12 derbies against the Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys over the festive period, but Baber has revealed Henson has a chance of being in the squad when the Blues go in search of a fourth straight European win at Murrayfield.

"He has a little niggle in his hamstring but in terms of his hand he is back to where he needs to be and he will be available going forward," Baber said. "He will be in contention for the Dragons game and he is in contention for this week and could possibly be in the 23.

"He is a quality player and has had the time to get himself together and do his rehab properly, and hopefully when he makes his return he will be right on top of what he needs to do as I am sure there will be a lot of attention around him when he makes his debut for us."

While Henson is close to a return, the former Wales flanker Martyn Williams is two or three weeks away from full fitness after having a plate inserted into the arm he broke against Ulster in September.