Wenger to rest Henry for Cup

ARSENE WENGER believes Arsenal can beat Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park without Thierry Henry, who has been released to play in a friendly with France tomorrow.

The Arsenal manager also gave permission to Freddie Ljungberg to travel to Gothenburg for Sweden’s game with England, but while the Swede did not travel, Henry is likely to play against Holland in Rotterdam. Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires will stay in London to nurse minor injuries rather than face the Dutch.

“It is possible the players who go away on international duty won’t play,” said Wenger. “We have a week where we can work on the recovery of our players, which is really welcome. That is why I will be able to rest some players if I feel they have played too much for their national sides.