Wenger warns over defensive mindset

ARSENE WENGER vowed to continue Arsenal’s expansive style in Europe but warned the fear of failure being felt by too many teams in the Premier League and beyond was threatening to ruin the game as a spectacle.

Wenger’s side will continue to go on the offensive in their Champions League campaign, which starts tonight against FC Thun, even though Thierry Henry may now miss the first three group games with a groin injury.

Although Sol Campbell may make his first start of the season against the Swiss minnows, Henry’s absence for up to six weeks - and possibly eight Premier League and Champions League ties - will restrict Arsenal’s attacking options. Wenger, who hopes Robin van Persie will recover from a tackle in training by Emmanuel Eboue which left the winger fuming, said: “I consider that Thierry is now out for six weeks. It could still be four weeks but any other news would then be good news. Ideally, we’d like him to be with us as he’s a worldclass player.