Wenger seeks Henry contract boost as van Persie receives Euro ban

ARSENE WENGER has set his sights on persuading Thierry Henry to sign a new contract while the striker is ruled out of action for the next month due to injury.

Sat, 17 Sep, 2005 - 01:00

Mark Bradley

Wenger, who has learned he will be without Robin van Persie for only the next Champions League tie following his dismissal against FC Thun, could be forced to cope without Henry for another four weeks.

However, Wenger is hoping to use that time to his advantage - by finding the opportunity to hold meaningful contract talks with his captain, who has yet to formally discuss his future.

Van Persie will serve a one-match Champions League ban although UEFA’s control and disciplinary committee had the power to extend the suspension to two or three games.

Van Persie will miss the next group tie away to Ajax on September 27 following his reckless challenge on FC Thun defender Alen Orman.

The Dutchman’s dismissal for ‘serious foul play’ by referee Grzegorz Gilewski came when he caught Orman in the face with a raised boot just before half-time at Highbury.

Wenger, who has already set a deadline of New Year’s Day to reach an agreement with Henry, has given the Frenchman a complete break for the next 10 days to rest the inflammation of his groin.

But when asked whether it would be the perfect chance to hold contract talks, with Henry’s current deal set to run out in less than two years, Wenger confirmed: “It is a good opportunity and we will certainly try to use it.

“Our intention is clear and I’m convinced he will stay here. He’s not a guy who’s obsessed by money at all. It’s more about him being committed to the club and showing that.

“But I’m more concerned about his injury than his contract because it’s a bit of concern that he had to stop so early in the season having worked so hard during the pre-season.

“Maybe Thierry feels under pressure to play but the only thing I can say is that we never put any player under pressure to play and, if this kind of pressure exists, it comes only from him not from me or the doctors.”