Arsenal Football Club

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60432

Wenger cool over Henry

22 Nov 2006 - 08:34:46

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists that the Gunners will be able to cope without suspended skipper Thierry Henry for the crucial Champions League showdown with FC Porto.

Henry was cautioned during the 3-1 win over Hamburg on Tuesday evening and will miss the meeting with the Portuguese side, with the Gunners needing a draw to be sure of a place in the last 16.

However, an upbeat Wenger said: "We will do it without him.

"I could see Thierry was frustrated. He was held back by his shirt being pulled on quite a few occasions.

"Of course it was a blow. We wanted to go to Portugal with Thierry, but now we will go and do it without him.

"I'm sure both teams will fight for a win, but if it is a draw then neither need be disappointed."

Meanwhile, Wenger praised teenage ace Theo Walcott, who came on against the German side to have a hand in both late goals which clinched victory at the Emirates Stadium.

"He will play more and more now because we have so many games," Wenger added.

"When he came on he gave an injection of power and pace, especially after he moved from the left to the right."