Wenger faces Henry decision

Arsene Wenger must decide whether to play Arsenal captain Thierry Henry against Sunderland.

Henry returned from a minor injury setback to score the opening goal against Sparta Prague in Wednesday night’s Champions League victory, but was substituted during the second half as a precaution against further complications to his groin problem.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is expected to be available following a stiff back which kept him out of the 3-0 victory over the Czechs at Highbury. Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) will not feature. Full-back Ashley Cole (foot) and midfielder Alexander Hleb (knee) are recovering well, but will be out for around another month.

Provisional squad: Lehmann, Almunia, Lauren, Toure, Campbell, Clichy, Reyes, Eboue, Gilberto, Flamini, Pires, Fabregas, Henry, Van Persie, Bergkamp, Poom, Song, Cygan, Senderos, Quincy, Lupoli, Muamba.