Wenger shrugs off Henry’s absence

ARSENE WENGER has every confidence his young Gunners can rise to the challenge without captain Thierry Henry in Hamburg tonight.

The Arsenal skipper has been left behind after aggravating a foot injury he sustained while away on international duty with France.

Wenger, though, has already made do without his talisman once in Europe this season, as Arsenal came through the opening leg of the Champions League qualifier 3-0 away to Croatia Zagreb.

Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor are again likely to lead the attack, with England U-21 forward Theo Walcott and new signing Julio Baptista other options from the bench.

Wenger revealed to reporters at Luton Airport this afternoon: “Thierry is not playing. He had a foot injury which he got against Italy.

“We injected him on Saturday, but he has had a reaction on it.

“We tried it again this morning, but he was not ready.

“It is a short-term thing. He should be okay for Manchester United on Sunday, but the doctor said he was not fit enough to play tomorrow.”

The Arsenal manager added: “We have a big squad, a strong squad and in the short term it should be no problem.

“We will deal with it. We have already played without him and won in the Champions League this season.”

Wenger has not been best pleased to see so many of his squad away on international duty so soon after their return from the World Cup.

The Arsenal manager reflected: “I think his injury was down to his disturbed pre-season, but we hope he will get better.

“I can accept it, but what is more difficult to accept is the international calendar because that is where the clubs suffer.”

Wenger rested Walcott for the weekend Barclays Premiership 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.

The Arsenal manager is wary of burning out the 17-year-old, who has impressed when coming off the bench.

Wenger said: “I left Theo out on Saturday because it was a very physical game and he has had problems to finish a game.

“He is a bit behind physically, but I do not know whether he will be ready to start. If I play with wingers he might play, but we will see.

“Baptista is also a little bit behind.”

Wenger’s side have yet to win in the Premiership, drawing two and losing one of their first three matches — the worst start to a top-flight campaign under the Frenchman.

While fully expecting to build on last season’s brilliant run to the European Cup final, Wenger acknowledged: “We want to do well in the Champions League, but the Premiership means a lot to us this season as well.

“I feel this team is one of the strongest squads I have ever had.”

Wenger added: “But we need a bit of patience, keeping our nerves and find the right balance in our attacking and defending because we look strong everywhere, but we are making it difficult for ourselves in every game.”