Henry: Gunners can win Cup without me

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has backed his team-mates to lift the FA Cup without him, but admits it is a “major disappointment” to be out of Saturday’s final against Manchester United.

Henry has problems with both Achilles tendons and will not be fit in time for the final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

He returned to action for 45 minutes last Wednesday in the 7-0 mauling of Everton and, although he suffered no reaction to the groin injury he sustained in April, he aggravated a season-long Achilles problem.

The 27-year-old told The Sun: “This is the biggest match I have missed in my career. It’s a major disappointment. But the team can still win.

“I have had a problem with my Achilles since the start of the season. But it’s not just one. Both of them are causing me pain and I am just not fit to play. I need a rest.

“It is a big disappointment as it will be a great game against Manchester United. But I have to put the team ahead of myself.”