Henry set for cup breather
Thierry Henry is set to be rested from this weekend’s FA Cup third-round tie against Cardiff – even though the Arsenal captain is ready to play on to revive his team’s fortunes.
Arsene Wenger revealed that Henry and Campbell are set to be given a breather during the next week, with Arsenal taking on Cardiff at Highbury on Saturday followed by Wigan in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg three days later.
“Thierry is fully fit but he has played four games in eight days without one minute of a breather. He did well against Manchester United but you could see it was his fourth game in eight days,” said the Arsenal boss.
“I am planning some changes for the FA Cup. Not that many because I don’t have much choice, but Thierry will not play.
“I hope to have Robin van Persie and Freddie Ljungberg back. They will play but I will probably rest Sol Campbell and Philippe Senderos will play instead.”
Henry, who missed six weeks of the season with an Achilles problem, was last night asked whether he needed a rest before Wenger had publicly spoken.
The France international responded: I don’t think I need a breather, although if the boss doesn’t want to play me, it’s another story.
“I always like to be out there trying to help my team. So I always want to play. People keep on forgetting I missed six league games and three Champions League games.
“I wasn’t used to that and I’m starting to get back into my usual shape. So I don’t know. The boss is the boss. If he takes a decision, then I will respect it.”
