FABREGAS READY TO TAKE BREAK

Cesc Fabregas knows he must take a break from action sooner or later to avoid burn-out.

The Arsenal midfielder has already chalked up more than 40 first-team appearances this season, playing in every Barclays Premiership and Champions League fixture.

Fabregas was also an integral part of the young Gunners side which reached the Carling Cup final, and lost to Chelsea at the Millennium Stadium.

The international break offers little respite for the brilliant 19-year-old, now also an established member of the Spain squad and well on his way towards 20 full caps.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger knows just what an important asset the former Barcelona trainee is and is acutely aware the dangers of over-exerting one of his key men.

Fabregas has been fortunate this season not to be hit by injury, with captain Thierry Henry sidelined for lengthy spells following his return from the World Cup.

The young Spaniard is conscious of the pitfalls which could lie ahead if he does not get a proper "rest" period.

Fabregas said: "I am looking forward to this summer, although the thing is that when we finish at Arsenal, we have international games in June and that breaks up my plans a little bit.

"Sometimes I do think I need one summer just to rest.

"I remember when I was 16 turning 17, I had seven weeks rest and I came back in pre-season refreshed and ready to go.

"That is what made the difference because I was a reserve player and I came into the first team in this period and because I had rested I had a lot of energy and power."

Fabregas told the club website, www.Arsenal.com: "You do need that rest when you are so young and you start playing so many games under a lot of pressure, especially in midfield where you have to run a lot and make a lot of tackles.

"Of course I like to play football and I will never say 'no' when I am asked to play because I love it so much.

"If I said 'no' I would feel really bad in myself - but after six or seven years of this you can get injuries so you have to be professional and take care of yourself."

The emergence of Fabregas and fellow teenager Denilson this season has fuelled speculation veteran Brazilian Gilberto could be set to leave Arsenal in the summer.

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GILBERTO LAUDS 'GREAT' JUVE

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has responded to speculation linking him with a move to Juventus by labelling the Turin giants a "great club".

But he admits his future is in the hands of the Gunners as he still has two years left on his contract at the Emirates.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted Gilberto is going nowhere but the Brazilian has long been linked with a move to the Stadio delle Alpi, and Juventus' likely return to Serie A will only crank up the speculation.

The Gunners vice-captain said: "Juventus are a great club that want to return to winning ways.

"I have a contract until 2009, and Arsenal will decide [what happens]."

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NO INTEREST IN ARSENAL - KROENKE

Kroenke Sports Enterprise have "no interest or intention" of buying into Arsenal, according to a spokesman for the American company.

Although the major shareholders - which include vice chairman David Dein and director Danny Fiszman - of the Barclays Premiership club have no intention of selling up, broadcaster ITV are likely to be open to offers for their 9.9% stake in the Gunners.

With the valuation of Arsenal - their parent company listed on the alternative Plus market - currently around ฃ404million, it would represent a significant outlay for any potential investor.

US billionaire Stan Kroenke had been widely reported to be interested in acquiring the shares.

His company - Kroenke Sports Enterprise - already have an "innovative strategic relationship" with the north-London club through Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids, and the group have a large portfolio of sports-related interests across the Atlantic.

However, any suggestions this would now be followed by KSE taking a financial stake in Arsenal have been quickly dismissed.

Jurgen Mainka, senior director of communications and international business at Colorado Rapids, said: "At this point, there is no interest or intention from KSE in buying any shares or any pieces of Arsenal Football Club or any club in the English Premier League.

"There certainly is no substance to these stories and rumours in the media which indeed started when we first announced our commercial relationship with Arsenal Football Club."


The agreement in place at the moment between the two clubs is primarily designed to help develop the Gunners brand in America, and will also see an exchange of coaching as well as commercial ideologies, with an inaugural Arsenal Cup to be held for US clubs by the Rapids this summer.



Jeff Plush, managing director of the MLS outfit, was in London recently as part of a pre-season trip to Europe, which also included a visit to Valencia in Spain.



He said: "We can certainly give to Arsenal some of our expertise in sports marketing - we own five teams, a television network and four venues.



"With them, we are frankly a more credible football club than we were."



Even though KSE are distancing themselves from any talk of a potential takeover, it was inevitable interest in Arsenal would surface sooner rather than later.

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ADEBAYOR COULD QUIT TOGO

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could retire from international football after receiving death threats.

The 22-year-old netted twice as Togo beat Sierra Leone on Saturday, but the build-up to the game was dominated by a contract wrangle between the Togolese players and officials.

Adebayor was a central figure in the row and he revealed he had received threats that he must "play in the match or else".

He told the BBC: "I am only trying to put certain things right and correct a few mistakes in Togolese football, but it appears some people do not like it.

"Now I am going to go back to Arsenal and think about my future. I have to protect my life and I have a family to look after."

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ARSENAL INTEREST NO SURPRISE

It was "only a matter of time" before Arsenal attracted interest as part of the "second wave" of investment in the Barclays Premiership, according to a leading football financial analyst.

Although the major shareholders - which include vice-chairman David Dein and director Danny Fiszman - have no intentions of selling up, broadcaster ITV are likely to be open to offers for their 9.9% stake in the Gunners.

With the valuation of Arsenal - their parent company listed on the alternative Plus market - currently around ฃ404million, it would represent a significant outlay for any potential investor.

US billionaire Stan Kroenke is understood to be interested in acquiring the shares.

His company - Kroenke Sports Enterprise - already has an "innovative strategic relationship" with the north-London club through Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids and the group has a large portfolio of sports-related interests across the Atlantic.

The move from Highbury to the new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium at Ashburton Grove this season may have cost Arsenal somewhere around ฃ390million and be an on-going financial commitment, but it has also put them in a different league in terms of match-day gate receipts and other revenue streams.

With a strong tradition, established fan base and a young side, buying into the Gunners would certainly make an attractive proposition.

With Manchester United now in the control of the Glazer family while American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have just lead a successful takeover at Liverpool, it was inevitable interest in Arsenal would surface sooner rather than later.

Vinay Bedi, football analyst at Brewin Dolphin, told PA Sport: "You can see the attractions of the Champions League clubs - and Arsenal are really the only one of those left in British ownership.

"It was only a matter of time before there was significant interest in them - whether or not anything actually happens there, we will have to wait and see. But it is certainty no surprise there is overseas interest in Arsenal."

Bedi added: "We see this as the second wave of investment in football clubs following the city flotations in the 1990s as the benefits of the initial Sky TV involvement and the development of the Premier League became apparent.

"That was somewhat slowed down because of the general trend which was to divert a lot of that increased revenue towards player salaries rather than increasing consistent profitability of football clubs.

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BLATTER: FOOTBALL IS 'ILL'

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has warned that "football is ill" - and claimed brawling Arsenal and Chelsea players tarnished the image of the game.

Blatter said the mass brawl in the Carling Cup final, and the even worse violence between Valencia and Inter Milan players in the Champions League, brought shame on football.

He said he would raise the issue at the next FIFA Congress in May.

Blatter told a news conference at FIFA's Zurich headquarters: "We have come to a crossroads of football, our football is ill.

"I see more and more financial interests over-riding people in club football especially.

"Even rich countries they are not capable of providing safe and comfortable stadia and I see that violence is everywhere, including inside the stadia.

"When you see what happened recently in big stadia, in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, when highly-paid players got involved in fights, which was nothing compared to what we saw later in Valencia.

"There are many other examples I could mention. Where is football leading to if players are now at each others' throats.

"What will people think if they see on TV these pictures of major football matches.

"We must act, and we will raise this at FIFA's next congress."

Blatter also moved to quell doubts on preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, saying FIFA's executive committee were now satisfied with progress.

He said: "The executive committee is now convinced South Africa will be a good host for the 2010 World Cup.

"At our last meeting in December there were queries, hesitations, even doubts expressed by some members of the executive committee.

"Today, they all stood united behind South Africa and we are happy overall. They will also have the privilege of hosting the Confederations Cup in 2009 as a test event."

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LEHMANN LAID BACK OVER CONTRACT

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann insists there is "no fixed date" for his future to be sorted out.

The 37-year-old Germany international, currently with his national team preparing for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in the Czech Republic, is out of contract at the end of the season.

It is believed he has been offered terms for a move back to the Bundesliga.

But Lehmann said: "I am in a situation at the moment where I have to make a decision at some point, but there is no fixed date for that to be made.

"Every week, a new club is linked with me, while everybody knows I am also happy at Arsenal. I'd rather not talk about it all."

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CESC STILL MISSING SOMETHING

Cesc Fabregas firmly believes Arsenal can still finish as runners-up in the Barclays Premiership - but admits "there is something missing" from the Gunners at the moment.

In the space of a few weeks, manager Arsene Wenger has seen a season which promised much end without silverware for the second year in succession following defeat in the Carling Cup final and exits from both the FA Cup and Europe.

Even though Arsenal lost at Everton before the international break, they remain in third place in the Premiership, one point ahead of Liverpool and with a game still in hand.

While Fabregas maintains a superb run of form over the remaining eight matches could yet see them overall Chelsea, the Spain international midfielder accepts there is very much a feeling of what might have been within the squad.

"It is strange, not the atmosphere at the training ground - but inside yourself," Fabregas told official website arsenal.com.

"Everyone feels there is something missing.

"When you are out of three cups and you just have the league to fight for, but you are so far behind the leaders, you think it is not the best of seasons.

"When there is still two months to go sometimes you can feel like the season is finished, but it is not.

"We have several games to go and if we win most of them we could finish second. In football you never know."

Despite the obvious disappointment of another barren campaign, Wenger maintains he has full confidence his squad can deliver sooner rather than later.

With so many talented young players pressing for a run in the fist team, Fabregas - himself only 19 - is certain the future is bright at Emirates Stadium.

He said: "No team in the world has young players with this quality and we have improved this year.

"Next season I feel we will definitely be genuine title contenders.

"We have a great squad, we all know each other really well, we have a lot of quality, we have the desire, we are all winners."

Wenger has seen his options limited by injuries this season, particularly in attack.

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SILVA: REDS MEETING WILL DECIDE THIRD

Brazilian star Gilberto Silva accepts that the next time he is back in Liverpool, the outcome will decide who finishes third in the Barclays Premiership.

The 30-year-old captained Arsenal in their last-ditch defeat in the snow at Everton on Sunday and admits the Gunners will be fighting to hold on to third place when they return to Merseyside at Anfield in a fortnight.

The clash with Liverpool, a lunchtime showdown on March 31, will be the next match for both the Gunners and Rafael Benitez's side.

And Gilberto insists Arsenal will have to do a lot better than they did at Goodison Park, where Andrew Johnson's late strike just compounded the misery of the North Londoners, who lost in three cup competition in recent weeks.

Arsenal's season has been in tatters ever since, and pride and third place is all they have to play for now.

Gilberto said: "We let our concentration slip in those last minutes against Everton, but the game has gone now.

"What we must do now is concentrate on our next game which will be at Liverpool. We need to have that in our mind and we know we need to do much better there than we did at Everton.

"We need to come back stronger from the international break. I will be with Brazil playing in Sweden, but that will have to be put to the back of our minds on our return.

"Sometimes when you have a bad result it helps to play again straight away, other times you need a break.

"But I hope this time the break will help us because these last few days and weeks have been very hard and very painful for us."

He added: "I have had to play central defence recently, that has been hard for me because it has been a long time since I played there. But I have to do it because of injuries and suspensions.

"I would expect that for the next game at Liverpool I will be back into my midfield role. I would rather be playing there because it is my natural position.

"I have spoken with Arsene (Wenger) about it and I accepted that I had to help the team by playing in defence.

"Every game is important and everybody has to co-operate with the manager. It has not only happened to me, with so many strikers injured or suspended there have been other players asked to play in different positions and everybody is trying to do their best for the team.

"It is the same for me. When Arsene said could I play at the back, of course I have done it for the team. I have tried to do my best.

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LEHMANN DENIES BERLIN RUMOURS

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Hertha Berlin.

Last weekend, the Bild newspaper claimed he was on his way to the German capital on a two-year deal financed by an external source.

However, Lehmann has denied the report, though, telling kicker magazine on Monday: "I have not spoken to anybody in Berlin, I can promise you that."

Hertha have lost six out of their last seven games and refused to deny the rumours immediately and that has unsettled the club's current number one, Christian Fiedler.

He feels his employers have missed the perfect opportunity to show their full support for him and believes they are looking for a replacement.

"If they want to push me out, then they should not beat around the bush," he said.

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BAPTISTA FOCUSED ON TASK - WENGER

Arsene Wenger is in no doubt Julio Baptista will continue to give his all for Arsenal over the remainder of the season - even if his own future is in doubt.

The Brazilian, 25, is currently on loan from Real Madrid and is expected to feature for the Gunners at Everton on Sunday.

Wenger admits there are several factors to consider before a decision is taken on whether the move will be made permanent, most notably what happens with Jose Antonio Reyes, who is currently at the Bernabeu as part of the deal.

However, the commitment of Baptista is never in question according to the Arsenal manager.

"Julio is in the right frame of mind and he will work hard for the team, even if it damages his efficiency," said Wenger.

"He has a good spirit and, after Eindhoven, we are more concerned to get good results back than about individual performance.

"The future for Baptista depends on Real Madrid as well. It is linked [with Reyes]. He is injured at the moment with a knee problem. The season in Spain finishes later than us, so I do not know what they will decide.

"Jose wants to stay in Spain and Julio enjoys it very much with us.

"The passion, the spirit and the fact he plays in the team - he is very positive about his experience here."

Decisions must also be made on which players currently out on loan will be brought back to the Emirates Stadium - striker Nicklas Bendtner is doing well at promotion-chasing Birmingham - and also over veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, out of contract but said to have been offered terms for a move back to Germany.

Speculation over who may stay or leave is something Wenger faces on a daily basis.

Wenger said: "In the Italian newspapers they talk about Gilberto, the German newspapers talk about Lehmann, the Spanish newspapers talk about Baptista and the Swedish papers talk about Ljungberg.

"I simply can not control all that."

However, Wenger insists any reports about midfielder Gilberto, 30, moving to Juventus are wide of the mark.

"He is under contract, we have had no offer so the subject is closed," he added.

"Let him go to the end of his contract and then we will see - but we might well extend because he is an important player for us."

The Gunners have seen a promising campaign shattered in recent weeks with all hopes of silverware ended by defeat in the Carling Cup final and exits from both the FA Cup and Champions League.

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WENGER HAILS JOHNSON

Arsene Wenger firmly believes Andrew Johnson is more than capable of helping lead the England attack - and revealed he had once been tempted to sign the Everton forward.

Johnson has performed consistently following his ฃ8.6million summer move from Crystal Palace, scoring 11 goals for the Toffees.

And the 26-year-old is expected to partner Wayne Rooney up front for England in the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Andorra.

Arsenal travel to Goodison Park on Sunday and Wenger is not surprised to see the former Birmingham man competing at the top level.

"Andy Johnson is a player who can help England," said the Gunners boss. "He is a good player, with the timing of his runs, the quality of his runs, his team ethic is fantastic and he never gives up.

"He can be one of the players who can compliment Rooney because Rooney is more of a second striker who can make the runs and you need another striker who can stretch the defence.

"If you look at England players who can stretch the defence, Andy Johnson is one of them as well as Michael Owen."

Wenger had kept a keen eye on the development of Johnson since his impressive spell in the Barclays Premiership with Crystal Palace during the 2004-2005 campaign, when the striker scored 21 league goals but could not keep the Eagles up.

He revealed he had considered making a move for Johnson when the future of captain Thierry Henry looked uncertain, but was put off by the price tag.

"I did consider him at one stage when he was at Crystal Palace, but the price stopped it happening," revealed the Arsenal boss.

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WENGER WON'T ABANDON PRINCIPLES

Arsene Wenger admits he would have a dilemma over just where a big-name signing would fit into his current Arsenal side.

The past few weeks have been poor for the Gunners, whose hopes of silverware were ended with defeat in the Carling Cup final swiftly followed by exits from the FA Cup and Champions League.

While the battle to secure third place in the Barclays Premiership remains a realistic goal, there can be no doubt about the disappointment another barren season brings.

Wenger has, though, maintained he will only add only "super, super class" to his playing staff this summer should anyone be on the market and willing to come to the Emirates Stadium at the right price.

The futures of both Julio Baptista and Jose Antonio Reyes, on loan at Real Madrid, have to be sorted out one way or another - along with that of veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who is out of contract.

Several players such as striker Nicklas Bendtner, midfielder Alexander Song, Fabrice Muamba and full-back Kerrea Gilbert are all gaining first-team experience elsewhere, but are likely to return next season.

All this leaves Wenger with something of a conundrum should he decide to make a bold move in the transfer market this summer.

"Where would I put him? You are right," said the Arsenal manager.

"It would be detrimental to the development of some of the younger players who have come into the side and done well.

"We never had everybody fit and available at the same time this season - [William] Gallas, [Thierry] Henry and [Robin] van Persie.

"But the advantage we got from this year is that some young players had to play and they developed well."

Bendtner, 18, has proved a big hit for Birmingham, where he has chalked up 11 goals for the Coca-Cola Championship leaders.

Wenger expects the young Danish striker to feature regularly in his squad when the new campaign begins in August.

"He will come back and challenge for a first team place next season, I have spoken to him about that," said the Arsenal boss.

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DOMENECH HITS BACK OVER HENRY

France coach Raymond Domenech has hit back at Arsene Wenger following the Arsenal manager's claims that Les Bleus are to blame for Thierry Henry's injury-ravaged campaign.

Gunners captain Henry was last week ruled out for the rest of the season with stomach and groin problems.

That prompted Wenger to suggest the striker had been badly managed by France since the World Cup, insisting there was no need for the player to feature in so many friendly matches for his country.

But Domenech has reacted by saying his football federation have looked after Henry in the correct way.

"Mr Wenger is starting to seriously tire me out, and he is starting to tire out a lot of people," said the France coach, following the announcement of his squad to play Lithuania and Austria in a double-header later this month.

"He doesn't have innate knowledge. There comes a moment when enough is enough.

"When he says that a player who played in August injures himself (as a result) in March, I do not understand how he can explain that.

"He is forgetting to say that each time Thierry Henry played a match for France, three days later he played for Arsenal.

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WALCOTT: CAREER HAS BEEN A 'DREAM'

Theo Walcott turns 18 on Friday and admits his rapid rise to prominence with Arsenal has been "a dream".
It is now just over a year ago that the young forward found himself thrust into the media spotlight following his move to Arsenal from Southampton.
His controversial inclusion in Sven-Goran Eriksson's England World Cup squad meant little chance to develop outside the intense glare of public interest.
Having now chalked up more than 30 first-team appearances for the Gunners, slowly but surely Walcott is finding his feet at the highest level.
A troublesome shoulder injury has, by his own admission, hampered the player's progress and is set to be corrected via surgery sooner rather than later.
A potent weapon now for the England Under-21s, as his brilliant double in the European Championship play-off against Germany showcased, Walcott finally got off the mark for Arsenal with a goal in the Carling Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
Despite all of the continued hype, and indeed sometimes less-than-constructive criticism, which seems to follow his every move, the man himself remains remarkably level-headed.
"My life has changed rapidly of course, what with the World Cup and coming to Arsenal, but I have not let it get on top of me. I am still the normal person I was at Southampton," Walcott insisted.
"But this season has been unbelievable really - seeing how the players prepare and look after themselves and to be playing a part for the best club in the world as a 17 year-old - it is all a dream for me.
"I am quite pleased that I have been able to come off the bench and get a few assists.
"I am part of a new era and playing at a fantastic new stadium, the next few years should be great."
Walcott reflected: "I think generally the year has gone well, it has certainly gone quickly so far.
"But I have got a long way to go yet."
Wenger chose to keep faith with his youth policy in the Carling Cup this season, which gave other young players such as impressive Brazilian midfielder Denilson the chance to shine.

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WENGER SEES GUNNERS GROWING

Arsene Wenger has backed his side to overcome the injury and suspension problems that have threatened to derail their season.

Wenger has seen the prospect of silverware slip away after three defeats in as many competitions in recent weeks.

Those defeats - in the Carling Cup final against Chelsea, the FA Cup fifth round against Blackburn and most recently PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League - have been compounded by the continued absence of key players.

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Emmanuel Eboue were all handed suspensions in the aftermath of the fiery Carling Cup meeting with Jose Mourinho's side while other leading players, including captain Thierry Henry - who was ruled out for the season after being rushed back as a substitute against PSV, have been plagued by fitness problems.

But while Wenger admits such issues will not go away in time to help his side against Aston Villa in the Premiership on Wednesday night, he insists his team can overcome their troubles.

"I think 95% of things are good in our team but at the top level it is the five per cent that makes the difference," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"As hard as it is to take, I feel there are a lot of positives and although we have to correct (some aspects) we can keep the basis of a strong team.

"This team is growing and becoming stronger and stronger."

"After such a disappointment (in the Champions League) it's difficult to pick yourself up again, but on the other hand I know how proud they are and how much they want to show that they have quality and finish as close as possible to Manchester United and Chelsea.

"We could have Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte back (for the Villa match) and Tomas Rosicky will be a little but short (of fitness).

"But we lose Gael Clichy, who is suspended and injured, and we lose Kolo, Adebayor and Eboue who are suspended again.

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HENRY WON'T LEAVE IN SUMMER

Injured Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has insisted he will stay with the club "for life".

Henry was ruled out for the rest of the season after he aggravated groin and stomach muscle injuries in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven and it had been suggested he could have played his last game for the Gunners.

But the French striker has dismissed those reports and pledged himself to Arsenal for the remainder of his career.

He told The Sun: "People in France and some over here are still saying I am going to leave.

"I am not going to leave. Never. I am staying here for life.

"I have no intention of walking out on this club, whatever the situation is. At no stage this season have I ever thought about leaving. I love the club, I love the fans and I am 100% behind the boss."

Henry also revealed that he believes his injury problems - and the dip in form experienced by other top players in the aftermath last summer's World Cup - is down to too much football.

He said: "This injury isn't down to my age. It's the number of games played that causes injury. Look at (Franck) Ribery, (Claude) Makelele, (William) Gallas, (Patrick) Vieira, they are all injured.

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WENGER BLAMES FRANCE FOR HENRY WOES

Arsene Wenger believes Thierry Henry was "badly managed" by France after the World Cup - and maintained the Arsenal captain was now "paying the price of success".

Henry, 29, has not been the same player this season, showing only flashes of his genius as the over-exertion of a gruelling 2005-2006 campaign which ended in bitter defeat to Italy in Germany returned to haunt him.

Damaged stomach and groin muscles were the latest in a series of niggling injuries to afflict the French forward, who had lead the Gunners into the Champions League final on the back of a string of breathtaking displays.

Wenger openly admitted he felt his talisman would need a break from the action sooner rather than later, but would clearly not have wanted it to be enforced.

The Arsenal boss, however, is in no doubt where the blame lies.

"He is paying the price of success," said Wenger, who will be without Henry for the rest of the season.

"I feel he has been badly managed after the World Cup by the French football team.

"I take responsibility for all the rest, but not for what I have not done.

"After the World Cup final on July 9, I gave him a holiday until August 4.

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WENGER ASSURED OF SUMMER BUDGET

Arsene Wenger has been handed assurances that his budget for summer transfers will not be affected by Arsenal's Champions League elimination.

The Gunners bowed out of Europe in midweek after losing their last-16 clash 2-1 on aggregate to PSV Eindhoven.

Managing director Keith Edelman had hoped Arsenal would reach the Champions League final for a second year in succession, but he maintains the club's financial plan had accounted for an earlier defeat.

Wenger will therefore be given a considerable transfer warchest, believed to be in excess of ฃ20million, to bolster his squad in the summer.

"It will not affect the manager's budget at all. It certainly will not mean it will be cut in any way," Edelman told Sky Sports.

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HENRY: I WILL BOUNCE BACK

Thierry Henry has spoken of his devastation at being ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Arsenal captain damaged stomach and groin muscles in Wednesday night's Champions League exit to PSV Eindhoven.

He said in The Sun: "I am obviously devastated. I will miss the rest of the season. It is a tough end to what has been a difficult season for me. It has been very frustrating.

"But I hope to get back to full fitness soon and will then look forward to having a great season with Arsenal next year."

The latest injuries follow a catalogue of problems that have dogged the striker this term.

he said: "This setback will make me even more determined, yet it has certainly been one thing after another."

"Last season was a very long one for me, right up to the Champions League final and then the World Cup final with France.

"I only had a few weeks' break and then the Premiership started.

"First of all, there was the sciatic nerve problem, which kept me out for a while. Then, most recently of all, the foot injury. Now these injuries against PSV."

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WENGER: HENRY CAN SHINE AGAIN

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Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal will again see the best of injured captain Thierry Henry next season.

The Gunners stirker is set to spend the rest of the current campaign on the sidelines following injuries to his groin and stomach muscles suffered in Wednesday night's Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven.

Wenger admitted before the match that his gamble on the fitness of the brilliant French forward could backfire badly following the best part of two weeks out.

And so it proved as Henry limped off at the final whistle, as the Gunners' European dreams faded into the night along with him.

Henry, 29, has simply not be the same player this season, showing only flashes of his genius as the over-exertion of the last campaign, which ended at the World Cup final, returned to haunt him.

Wenger had been keen for the Frenchman to take a much-needed break, but would have rather it not been enforced, as with the latest setback.

The Gunners boss, though, will no doubt feel Henry will now return stronger and up to his best in time to lead the side into the new campaign.

"Thierry Henry will be out for a minimum of three months," said Wenger, giving the depressing prognosis on his captain's damaged groin and stomach muscles.

"Unfortunately this means he will now miss the rest of this season both domestically and internationally - but we are confident that he will be ready for the start of next season

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HENRY OUT FOR REST OF SEASON

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been ruled out for the remainder of the season because of injury.

The France international damaged groin and stomach muscles in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven which saw the Gunners crash out of the Champions League.

As a result, the north London club have confirmed he will miss the next three months of domestic and international football.

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ADDED PAIN FOR ADEBAYOR

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been given an additional one-match ban and fined ฃ7,500 after being found guilty of "reacting aggressively and failing to leave the field of play immediately" in the Carling Cup final.

Adebayor was sent off for his part in the brawl which marred Chelsea's 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium and was given a three-match ban.

He requested a personal hearing to contest the charge but was found guilty by the Football Association at the hearing.


A statement from the FA read: "In sentencing, the commission stated that it had taken into account Adebayor's playing record and the mitigation offered.



"Adebayor is currently serving a three-match suspension following his sending-off during the match.

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WENGER CONFIDENT OF POSITIVE RESULT

Arsene Wenger firmly believes there are plenty of reasons to be positive Arsenal are a club going places.

The Gunners head into the crunch Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Holland.

With the Barclays Premiership title now already out of reach, the European Cup represents their last realistic chance of lifting silverware this season.

Wenger has already seen Arsenal's Carling Cup dreams dashed in Cardiff - a defeat which was quickly followed by an unceremonious exit from the FA Cup at Blackburn.

The Gunners boss, however, remains ever confident in what the future holds.

"This team is going up," Wenger declared.

"If you look at the points we have taken since the first of December, it compares with any team in the league.

"The club is in a good situation, financially and in the quality of the players.

"We had a fantastic Carling Cup campaign with a very young side, so it is all very promising."

Although Wenger is not expecting Ronald Koeman's men to come out all guns blazing, he remains confident Arsenal can break down the Dutch side to secure the required result.

He said: "I respect every tactic. I feel it up to us down to us to find the solutions to the problems we face.

"We have to focus on the qualities of us - if we play well, we can beat PSV at home, we can beat anybody.

"It is just down for us to focus on our game."

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KOEMAN GUNNING FOR ARSENAL

Ronald Koeman is in no doubt all the pressure will be on Arsenal in Wednesday night's Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium - and warned his PSV side are more than capable of "giving them a surprise".

The Dutch side hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg a fortnight ago, meaning Arsenal will have to win by two clear goals to ensure their progress into the quarter-finals.

With last season's Champions League runners-up having little but pride left to play for domestically, Europe is now their only hope of silverware.

Koeman - who lifted the European Cup with Barcelona at Wembley in 1992 - has every intention of ending those aspirations.

"Even with our own problems, we are still capable of giving them a surprise. It is in the character of our players," he said.

"It is about defending well, about having good organisation."

Koeman warned: "If we score, then it will be very difficult for them.

"But Arsenal are a team which plays fast football and that is how they create their chances - so they could score three because they have that quality.

"However, when you lose 1-0 (in the first leg), then you always have the thought in your mind that you can also get a goal against you - then you would have to score three.

"You can play a great game, but with a few seconds left you can let in a goal and then you say goodbye to the Champions League."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was less than impressed by what he saw as somewhat negative tactics in the first leg.

Koeman said: "We are not going to open up and let Arsenal have it all their own way, because then you are not going to win.

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HENRY 50-50 FOR PSV TIE - WENGER

Arsene Wenger admits he will be taking a "risk" on captain Thierry Henry's fitness for the crucial Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.

Henry is currently struggling with a troublesome hamstring as well as a foot problem, and was given a pain-killing injection to play in the first leg a fortnight ago.

It is the latest in a series of niggling fitness problems Henry has endured after a gruelling finish to last season, which ended with defeat in both the final of the Champions League and World Cup.

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor will be available despite his domestic suspension as Arsenal look to overcome a 1-0 deficit to progress to the quarter-finals, they could certainly do with their talisman available against the Dutch league leaders.

Wenger, however, remains cautious over Henry's likely involvement.

"His chances are 50-50, not more than that," the Arsenal manager said.

"He will not train at all but we will risk him by including him in the 18. Whether he starts or not, I do not know, he will have a test on Tuesday.

"I do not think we will give him another injection because that did not work last time."

Henry is desperate to get back into action and feels he is 'paying the price' for continuing to play on earlier in the campaign when not physically ready.

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KITSON CALLS FOR REFEREE RETHINK

Reading striker Dave Kitson has called on referee Chris Foy to rescind his yellow card in the clash with Arsenal - and declared Denilson could have broken his leg in the challenge.

Kitson, who made his first start in the Barclays Premiership since the opening day of the season following a knee injury, was cautioned in the 42nd minute at Emirates Stadium following a sliding challenge with the young Brazilian.

Having been left with two sets of stud marks on the inside of his left leg, Kitson believes it was a poor call from the Merseyside official.

"I have seen it again and I invite the referee to watch it again and rescind the yellow card," he said.

"Even [Cesc] Fabregas looked at me to say it was not even a foul, let alone a yellow card.

"I have slid in with my long legs and won the ball fair and square.

"I did not realise at the time, but Denilson has jumped in on me with two feet - and I have the scars to prove it.

"If my foot had been planted, I would have broken my leg - and yet I have been booked for it.

Kitson feels the fallout from the mass brawl in the Carling Cup final last weekend - when Arsenal had two men sent off and another suspended by a Football Association disciplinary panel - played a part on Saturday's match.

"It was painfully clear that whenever we made a bit of ground, the referee was going to pull it up and give a decision for Arsenal," he said.

"I thought what Arsene [Wenger] said during the week had a direct effect on the game, from the officials point of view.

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Arsenal 2 Reading 1

Arsenal went some way to putting a troubled week behind them with victory over Reading at the Emirates Stadium.

A run of three straight defeats coupled with the fallout from the mass brawl at the end of the Carling Cup final had left Arsene Wenger not only less than impressed with the powers at be in Soho Square, but also with more than one or two selection worries through suspension and injury.

However, talk of a crisis proved unfounded as the patched-up Gunners proved too strong for the Barclays Premiership surprise packages and made the most of Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United by closing the gap on third place to just one point.

After one of the misses of the season from Cesc Fabregas, second-half goals via Brazilian duo Gilberto, from a penalty, and Julio Baptista proved enough for victory.

However, there was a tense finale when Fabregas put through his own net following a Reading corner.

With games in hand on the sides above them, Arsenal may yet have a say in the destiny of the title.

But now immediate attentions will turn to Wednesday night's crucial Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, when at least Wenger will be able to welcome back his suspended trio.

Following the outcome here, though, perhaps he will rest just a little easier.

It had been a positive start by the hosts, Freddie Ljungberg almost getting on the end of a chip into the penalty area by Fabregas.

Theo Walcott - who scored his first senior goal for the club in last weekend's Carling Cup final - was also looking lively in attack.

However, Arsenal lacked a telling pass to release the pacy teenager.

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WENGER: I'LL FIGHT TO CLEAR ADEBAYOR

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has continued his feud with the Football Association by claiming the Gunners are treated more harshly than other clubs.

The Frenchman has refused to accept the FA's decision to ban striker Emmanuel Adebayor in the wake of the brawl which marred the end of last Sunday's Carling Cup final.

Wenger claimed the Togo international did nothing to warrant his three-game ban and has been asked by FA to explain comments made earlier in the week, when he claimed "the whole system is not honest".

But Wenger has insisted he will persist with his attempts to clear Adebayor.

"The referee and the linesman made a big mistake and I am able to prove it," he told a press conference screened on Sky Sports News. "Adebayor did not punch (Frank) Lampard and did not intend to and we can prove it.

"It is not the truth. We do not accept that. I do not accept that the club is treated like that.

"I will defend that to the FA. It was a lie and is not responsible."


Arsenal will also be without defenders Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue for Saturday's clash with Reading after they too received three-match suspensions in the wake of the final.



Wenger claimed the north London club had been treated harshly by the FA and believes their actions on the pitch do nothing to warrant their frequent scrapes with the authorities.



"It is regrettable that it punished the club," he continued on Sky Sports News.



"The club deserves more respect than that, it is undeserved.



"We are guided to win, we love to be fair, but to be treated like we have in this case is not acceptable.



"We want to focus on our desire to play football. I have got many calls from people abroad who can't believe what happened.



"We commit the lowest fouls in the league but we are the most punished

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WENGER TO FACE FA AGAIN

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will again face Football Association officials following his latest outburst as the fall-out from the mass brawl at the Carling Cup final continues.

It is not the first time this season Wenger has put himself in direct conflict with the powers that be.

A date for his personal hearing into the charge of improper conduct after a confrontation with referee Steve Bennett at the Emirates Stadium in December is still not finalised, while the Frenchman was fined ฃ10,000 and warned about his future conduct for a touchline bust-up with then West Ham manager Alan Pardew at the end of November's Barclays Premiership game at Upton Park.

Wenger has now been asked by the governing body to explain his claim "the whole system is not honest", in reference to the disciplinary procedures of the FA.

And his comments that the assistant whom referee Howard Webb consulted before sending off Adebayor was a "liar" are not being taken likely at Soho Square.

This latest incident is also likely to result in a hefty fine, with the outcome of the charge already on file possibly even resulting in a touchline ban.

"Questioning the integrity of a match official and accusing them of lying is a very serious claim to make as it questions the whole integrity of the game," said an FA spokesman.

"We also reject any accusations of bias or dishonesty within our disciplinary system. We will be asking Arsene Wenger to explain these comments."

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