Wenger fears departure of Henry

ARSENE WENGER cannot banish fears over Thierry Henry's future amid the striker's reluctance to hold contract talks until next summer.

However, Wenger still believes Henry, who revealed his debt of gratitude to the Arsenal boss, can be persuaded his long-term future lies with the north London club.

Henry's achievement in setting a new club scoring mark with his two goals against Sparta Prague will be celebrated when former record-holder Ian Wright congratulates him on the pitch before today's game against Manchester City.

However, many fans are still worried about Henry's future, with the Frenchman unwilling to discuss a new contract until next summer - even though his current deal runs out in 2007 - as he wants to concentrate on this season.

Wenger remains philosophical about the growing danger Henry could walk away from Highbury with his transfer price vastly reduced or even wait until he is available on a free transfer.

He admitted: "I'm not negative about it but, of course, you can say we are scared that we could lose him. I can't say that we're not. If he signs a contract extension tomorrow, he could still leave at the end of the season. If he says he wants to leave, who can stop him?

Henry yesterday paid a fulsome tribute to Wenger's integral role in his development, bringing him through the youth ranks at Monaco and then transforming him from a winger into a world-class striker at Arsenal.

"Arsene started my career and also restarted it. He started me in the first team at Monaco when I was just 17, even when there were guys much older than me in the reserves who were waiting to play," he revealed.

"Then, even after France had won the World Cup, he restarted my career on another level. The guy is great, he has been tremendous for me."

Henry's debt of gratitude to Wenger could be Arsenal's trump card in any contract talks, although the 28-year-old striker must presumably remain convinced about the club's trophy potential to stay put.

Wenger can now only respect his striker's stated wishes.

"Of course I understand the desire of the fans and I agree completely with them because I am a fan too. I think he will stay and that is it. He doesn't owe me anything and we are relaxed about it.

"He is very positive. He is focused on the team and wants to do well for us. He's not stupid, you cannot say he is not committed to the club and will let this spoil his season."

Wenger said he will release Henry for France's controversial friendly against Costa Rica - but warned coach Raymond Domenech he risks endangering his country's World Cup chances.

Wenger has already described the friendly in Martinique on November 9, which is scheduled as a fundraiser for the families of victims of a plane crash in August, as a "disgrace" and a "scandal."

However, while he admitted he is worried over Henry's fitness after only just returning from a six-week lay-off with a groin problem, he will not attempt to bar the striker from playing.

Henry had revealed his determination to play in the game, given that the Caribbean island of Martinique is the birthplace of his mother.