Arsène Wenger yesterday called on Thierry Henry to sign a new contract before he knows whether Arsenal will be in next season's Champions League. Henry has said he needs to be sure that the club can match his ambitions before he commits to a future there but Wenger wants his captain to show trust and believes that would strengthen the push for a top-four spot.
Henry has been vague about what he means by Arsenal matching his "sporting ambitions", though he has said it relates to his "future in the game", has "nothing to do with money" and that "signing new players" is probably a factor. A season in the Uefa Cup or without European football would be deeply unappealing.
Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for eight successive years under Wenger but cannot take it for granted that will become nine given that they are currently outside the top four. They have offered Henry a contract, described by the chairman Peter Hill-Wood as an "absolutely fantastic" five-year deal, but that remains unsigned.
Wenger hopes the striker's future will soon be clarified. "I think he knows the best way is always trust - sign first and qualify after," he said. "I think that's the only way you can do it because you need to be committed to qualify."
The manager is confident Henry will extend his contract, saying the striker "has made up his mind" and that the subject is no longer mentioned between them. "He did not promise me face to face that he would sign but he told me he wants to stay," Wenger said. "For me that is basically the same." Wenger insisted it did not even cross his mind that Arsenal's League Cup and FA Cup exits might influence Henry, and said his team could still catch Manchester United and Liverpool. He sees a bright future and believes Henry also senses that.
Arsenal v West Ham Utd
Lauren (knee) faces at least a month out for Arsenal, joining Ashley Cole (thigh), Gael Clichy (foot) and Pascal Cygan (hamstring) on the list of injured defenders. Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Cup. Gilberto Silva is set to return but Cesc Fabregas and Jose Antonio Reyes are suspended. Dean Ashton is in contention for a West Ham debut after a groin injury. Roy Carroll has recovered from his back problem, Christian Dailly is suspended.
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Eidur Gudjohnsen is fit but Didier Drogba is still away with the Ivory Coast. Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho may wait until Sunday before playing Michael Essien. Carlton Cole (groin) and Paulo Ferreira (thigh) are injured. Kevin Phillips could return to Villa's starting line-up in place of Juan Pablo Angel. Gareth Barry has served his suspension.
Blackburn v Manchester Utd
Rio Ferdinand may again play in the midfield anchor position with Alan Smith suspended. Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and John O'Shea (ribs) are doubtful. Cristiano Ronaldo should be available after a recent knee injury, while Patrice Evra is pushing for a recall. Blackburn's key strikers Craig Bellamy (hamstring) and Paul Dickov (broken collarbone) are out.
Liverpool v Birmingham City
Jan Kromkamp (ankle) is a major doubt for Liverpool. Steve Finnan, Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch are all expected to return up front. Robbie Fowler and Daniel Agger are likely to be involved. Birmingham City's manager Steve Bruce says Martin Latka will make his debut, describing it as a "nice baptism". Kenny Cunningham and Martin Taylor are still injured. Matthew Upson is available after suspension and Jamie Clapham no longer has a knee problem and should be fit to play.
Manchester City v Newcastle Utd
Joey Barton will be made to play despite the fall-out with his club. Georgios Samaras is likely to be on the bench with Matthew Mills missing out. Nedum Onuoha is doubtful and Ben Thatcher (chest) is out. Newcastle lack Kieron Dyer (hamstring), Michael Owen (foot), Stephen Carr (hernia), Steven Taylor (shoulder), Craig Moore (hamstring) and Lee Bowyer (illness). Amdy Faye is away with Senegal.
Portsmouth v Bolton Wanderers
Portsmouth's Wayne Routledge and Andres D'Alessandro will make debuts. Richard Hughes and Gary O'Neil are favourites to give way. Noe Pamarot (hamstring) is out. Bolton's Khalilou Fadiga may return following a knee injury. Ivan Campo (foot) faces over 10 weeks out while Gary Speed (knee) and Henrik Pedersen (achilles) are still recovering. Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadji Diouf, Abdoulaye Faye and Radhi Jaidi are at the African Cup of Nations.
Guardian Service
