Gunners all set for King Henry’s return

STRIKER Thierry Henry will this weekend complete his return to Arsenal in a short-term deal.

The French star — the club’s record scorer — has been training with the club as his club New York Red Bulls remains in the MLS off-season.

Henry is likely to sign a two-month deal, and will provide cover as players like Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho are called up for duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Gunners defender Per Mertesacker has admitted the club would welcome the striker’s return.

The centre-half said: “Henry has a lot of experience and he is a great opportunity for us. In training, Henry shows his class and [it is good] to have him with us.”

Meanwhile Arsenal’s young winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has “loved every minute” of an unforgettable 2011 and wants to achieve even more next year. The highly-rated 18-year-old joined the Londoners from Southampton in August for £12m, although the fee could rise as high as £15m with add-ons.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has since gone onto make his Premier League and Champions League debuts with the Gunners, having helped Saints achieve promotion back to the npower Championship.

The winger has also established himself as a key component in the England U21 squad and has been elated by his progress this year.

“I’ve loved every minute of it so far and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he told Arsenal Player yesterday.

“I enjoyed the end of last season with Southampton too so I can’t really complain about how this year has gone. I’m looking forward to 2012 and hopefully it can bring good things for this club and for me personally.”

While he will be hoping to face QPR tomorrow, Arsene Wenger has been conservative with the use of the teenager since his big-money move, handing him just six first-team appearances. Earlier this week Wenger admitted he expected the teenager to play a larger role for the Gunners in 2012 and there are even suggestions he could yet make the England squad for the European Championship. For now, though, Oxlade-Chamberlain is only focused on honing his skills and has lapped up his manager’s advice.

“The stuff he says to me, to the team just makes so much sense,” he said.

“I know I just have to keep working hard, get my head down and pushing to put pressure on him to select me.”

Meanwhile QPR have been boosted ahead of their clash with the Gunners with the news veteran striker Heidar Helguson has penned an extended contract. The 34-year-old has been one of the Hoops’ stand-out players since their return to the top flight, netting seven goals in 12 Premier League appearances.