Wenger: Henry absence will make us stronger

Arsene Wenger insisted Arsenal would emerge even stronger from Thierry Henry’s injury absence after proving to themselves they can win without their leading striker.

Henry has not played for the Gunners since their 4-1 win against Fulham on August 24 due to an inflammation of his groin which will rule him out for at least another fortnight.

While Arsenal have lost at Middlesbrough and drawn at West Ham without him, they have also beaten both FC Thun and Ajax in the Champions League.

Wenger declared: “Of course I’d like Thierry to be there as he’s one of the best players in the world, if not the best. But the fact that we can win without him will make us stronger when he comes back.

“The others have to take more responsibility as the main stress is on him to score when he’s fit. But don’t forget that Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg both scored at Ajax.

“Last season, they scored 17 goals and 14 goals respectively so it’s not such a coincidence.

“Ideally we would like to score more goals but we have scored two goals away from home in the Champions League. Even with everyone here, we didn’t always do that.”

The one player who does seem to have risen to the occasion in Henry’s absence is Jose Antonio Reyes, who has been pushed forward into a central striking role.

Wenger believes Reyes’ decision to commit his long-term future to Arsenal this summer, having previously been troubled by homesickness, has proved the launchpad for his development.

“He is doing well up front, although he’s more a creative player. He does the job as he wants to help the team but naturally he’s more a winger,” he said.

Reyes, who played a prominent role in both of Arsenal’s goals in Amsterdam, is again expected to lead the attack in tomorrow’s clash against Birmingham at Highbury.

Robin van Persie, who was suspended for the Champions League tie, should return, with Dennis Bergkamp given an 80-20 chance of recovering from back and groin injuries but is not expected to start.

Gilberto Silva was, meanwhile, due to undergo a fitness test on his ankle injury today, with Wenger keen to add his experience to central midfield.

Arsenal still trail Chelsea by 11 points, albeit with a match in hand, but Wenger is refusing to concede defeat in the title race yet.

He concluded: “I was very happy with the teamwork, the spirit in the squad and the belief that we showed in Amsterdam. I feel the team are getting better and better in every game.”