King Henry’s Cup final blow for Gunners

Jim van Wijk

The fitness of the Frenchman for Saturday's showdown at the Millennium Stadium had been in doubt ever since a groin problem ruled him out of action at the start of April.

Despite seeming to have recovered enough to make a return as a substitute against Everton last week, which would have put the 27-year-old in contention to make the cup final side, Henry was then left out against Birmingham on Sunday.

And Arsenal were forced to admit yesterday that the striker had suffered a recurrence of an old Achilles injury during the 7-0 demolition of the Toffees and would not feature in Cardiff.

There was, however, some positive news for the Gunners' chief, who is also waiting on the fitness of Jose Antonio Reyes.

Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has declared himself fit to play against United after returning from a hip problem to play in the 2-1 defeat at Birmingham.

"I think I will be available, I hope so," said the 28-year-old Sweden international. "We will have to see how it reacts in training. It is still a bit swollen but it felt good in the game I can play with it."

"I felt quite good overall. To be honest I had only trained twice with the team before the game and it's important to play because you can get into the tempo, it is just not the same as in training.

"I got a bit out of breath in the first half but then I got going again. I did not want to overdo it so I came off after 65 or 70 minutes but overall it was fine."

The loss of Henry, though, remains a severe blow to the Gunners, not only for his goalscoring prowess with 30 chalked up again this season but also for his link-up play.

Meanwhile Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to tie up the future of second-choice goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini to keep together a partnership he believes is the best in the country.

The 31-year-old Italian has had to play second fiddle to Petr Cech for much of the season but served up a reminder of his talent with a superb save from Newcastle's Patrick Kluivert at St James' Park.

"I think the most important thing to try to keep him is to show him respect and love and trust, and I think we have shown him during the season all of this," said Mourinho.

"Goalkeeper is not a position where you can change every week, so I could not play Petr one game, Carlo one game like sometimes you do with a right-back or a midfield player. Goalkeeper is a very specific position and you cannot do this.

"But to show that you trust the keeper I think is the best way, and he knows that. He has our trust, he has our respect, he has the love from every supporter, so I think he has great conditions to stay at the club.

"And if we can give him a contract where he feels we really want him for the future, I think we have the two best keepers in the country. I can sleep well, no problems."