Henry Out, Lehmann Suspended

As a follow on from yesterday’s article regarding the team selection for Arsenal’s Champions League 3rd qualifier next week, Arsene Wenger has confirmed the reasons for Henry and Lehmann’s omissions.

I’d forgotten (or rather blanked it out) that Gunners stopper Mad Jens Lehmann was to be suspended after being sent off in last seasons Champions League final. But Le Boss reminded me.

“Jens is suspended and Thierry will be short as well,” said Wenger exclusively to Arsenal.com. “He comes back on August 2 so it is very short until August 9.”

Wenger also gave reasons for Theo Walcott’s lack of pre-seaon action.

“Theo Walcott is a bit short. He has had a virus so he has not practised well. He`ll be fine in two weeks but I may give him a run out on Friday [at Alkmaar]. I don`t know yet it depends.’

“He was down physically and we have had to build him up. The fittest players will play [in the qualifier] whether it means Walcott or not I don`t know yet.”

Arsenal new boy Tomas Rosicky was also given the all clear.

“Tomas Rosicky is OK,” said Wenger