Henry out of Australia match

Steve Stammers13 April 2012

Thierry Henry was on his way back to Arsenal today after being ruled out of France's controversial friendly in Australia on Sunday.

Arsenal's top scorer will miss the 46-hour round trip after his badly swollen ankle was examined by the French Football Federation's medical staff in Paris.

Henry suffered the injury during the 4-2 defeat against Charlton on Sunday and former Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka, now with Paris St Germain, has been drafted into the squad as a replacement.

Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has also been ruled out of the match in Melbourne due to an ankle problem.

There are now doubts about whether Henry will recover in time for the north London derby at Tottenham on Saturday week.

Skipper Tony Adams is already out of that match because of a broken bone in his foot and David Seaman will miss the derby due to a shoulder injury. The goalkeeper is expected to resume training next Monday and could recover in time to face Manchester United on 25 November.

As well as the injury problems, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears the trip to Australia may mean that French stars Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires could still be jet-lagged by the time of the Spurs game.

However, France team doctor Jean-Marcel Ferret believes too much has been made of the effects the visit to Australia will have on the players. He said today: "There are shorter trips that are as tiring as the one to Australia.

"We will travel in optimal conditions and I think there was too much fuss and controversy made around the game."

Meanwhile, Australia coach Frank Farina today dismissed reports that Sunday's friendly was in doubt because of a pay dispute-involving his players. He said: "I'm sure it will be resolved between the players' association and Soccer Australia. Everything seems to be moving along in a manner which is positive."

Australian Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Eugenie Buckley said unless a deal was struck over player payments then the match was in question.

But Australia captain Paul Okon said: "I don't anticipate there will be a strike."

West Ham defender Hayden Foxe has pulled out of the Australia squad due to a groin strain he suffered against Fulham at the weekend.

Deportivo La Coruna, who Arsenal will face in the second phase of the Champions League, have had their assets frozen by a court in Spain. The ruling was made after the Spanish club allegedly failed to pay a company which represents South American players. Deportivo will appeal against the decision.

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