Somerset director of cricket Matthew Maynard has hinted that former West Indies captain Chris Gayle may not return to the county in 2017.
Gayle, 37, was an overseas player for Somerset in the T20 Blast in both 2015 and 2016, but was not available for all their games in either year.
"He's here for a period and then we miss him and it leaves a big hole in our team," Maynard told BBC Somerset.
"I'm not saying he won't come back - Chris Gayle has been brilliant for us."
Gayle said his "body needed a break" after his second spell with Maynard's side came to an end in June.
Gayle, 37, was an overseas player for Somerset in the T20 Blast in both 2015 and 2016, but was not available for all their games in either year.
"He's here for a period and then we miss him and it leaves a big hole in our team," Maynard told BBC Somerset.
"I'm not saying he won't come back - Chris Gayle has been brilliant for us."
Gayle said his "body needed a break" after his second spell with Maynard's side came to an end in June.