Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted Monday there was no rift
between himself and captain Thierry Henry.
Henry, who faces several weeks on the sidelines with a sciatic
nerve problem, was reported to have stormed out of training Friday
after learning he would not play against Tottenham.
The 29-year-old French striker has said that he was merely
disappointed at missing Tottenham's historic first visit to the
Emirates Stadium which the Gunners won 3-0.
And Wenger said that he had cleared the air with the striker on
Monday.
"I sat down with Thierry on Monday to discuss his fitness and
there is no problem between us," said Wenger.
"We have always had a strong relationship and that remains the
case."
Wenger confirmed that Henry will be out of action for at least
several weeks.
"As you know he keeps picking up niggling injuries which are
down to fatigue," explained Wenger.
"It's very frustrating for him you know because this series of
injuries has kept him out of a few important games this season,
including Tottenham last Saturday.
"The medical team has now assessed the situation and although
it's difficult to predict exactly, Thierry will be out for at least
a few weeks, as we need to give him time to fully recover.
"Of course I am aware of stories circulating in the media about
our meeting last Friday. I just feel that it's important to
reiterate that there is no problem between myself and Thierry, in
fact, we have always had a strong relationship.
"I wanted to clear this up and end any further speculation as it
is a pivotal week in our season and we now need to focus on the
upcoming Porto game where we need to get a result to qualify for
the next stage of Champions League."
Henry also missed the previous weekend's trip to Bolton with a
neck problem, and he has now revealed he is also suffering from a
sore left thigh muscle.
Reports of a rift between Henry and Wenger were further fuelled
by the manager's insistence that he would not sign any new players
in January, despite the fact that they are 16 points behind leaders
Manchester United.
"The January transfer window opens soon but I can confirm that
we will not sign anybody," Wenger repeated Monday.
"We will go on until the end of the season with the players we
have."
(China Daily December 6, 2006)