Arsenal relishing return of Henry to take on Leeds

THIERRY Henry is poised to make his second Arsenal debut tonight as the Gunners welcome Leeds United to the Emirates for the final third-round tie of a busy FA Cup weekend.

Championship side Leeds held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in London at the same stage of the competition 12 months ago, before losing the replay at Elland Road.

But Simon Grayson’s men could have their work cut out to contain Henry this evening after the prolific French striker signed a short-term loan deal at Arsenal from the New York Red Bulls.

Former Arsenal player Martin Keown says 34-year-old Henry is living the dream. “As an ex-player I have what I call footballing dreams, where I wake up and have to convince myself I am not playing anymore,” said Keown. “Thierry is doing it for real. As an ex-player I have enjoyed watching Sol Campbell come back to Arsenal and Jens Lehmann come back. Both served a purpose and did very well and I am sure Thierry can do the same.

“We shouldn’t expect him to be quite the player he was but I think he can get close to it. He will have an inner belief he can still achieve something.”