DUO BANNED FOR ANFIELD CLASH
Paul Eaton 05 January 2007
Arsenal will be without suspended pair Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas for this weekend's FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Both players have collected five yellow cards this season and so will be unavailable for selection by manager Arsene Wenger.
The Gunners boss, though, has been boosted by the return to fitness of full back Emmanuel Eboue who has recovered from an ankle injury.
"The news is quite good at the moment," Wenger said. "We have no new injuries from the Charlton game and we have Eboue available for Saturday.
"Julio Baptista might come back too and William Gallas is very close.
The news of Theo Walcott's back is very good. He and William Gallas are possibles for the Carling Cup on Tuesday."
RAFA WARY OF HENRY THREAT
Paul Eaton 05 January 2007
Rafael Benitez has admitted he has to prepare his side to face an improved Arsenal now that Thierry Henry is back in the Gunners line-up.
Henry returned from a neck injury to play a crucial role in Arsenal's 4-0 thumping of Charlton on Monday and will lead the line for his side at Anfield.
Arsene Wenger is without the suspended Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas for the pick of the third round games, but Benitez knows that if Henry is on the field then the Gunners will be tough opponents.
He said: "We know Henry is back and we know they are a better side when he plays. We have to be aware of him because he can cause problems.
"It's clear that he is a very good player and he has a big impact on his team. We need to be careful.
"I even heard rumours this week that Henry was supposedly coming to Liverpool. All I can say is that he is coming tomorrow but will be going back to London after the game. He might come here on Tuesday as well!"
Benitez added: "Arsenal have a good side and they will be dangerous opponents. They usually score goals and they are back playing at their level now.
"It's going to be a good game because both sides will want to win. The last thing we want is a draw and I'm sure they are thinking the same thing."