Henry blow for Gunners

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.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted his gamble on the fitness of the brilliant French forward could backfire badly - and so it proved.

Henry, 29, had simply not been 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 now feel Henry will return stronger and up to his usual superb form in time to lead the side into the new campaign with refreshed hope.

"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."