Wenger Yet to Make Contact Over Henry Move

New York Red Bulls head of global soccer Gerard Houllier says Thierry Henry is unlikely to join Arsenal for a third spell in the New Year.

Arsene Wenger has spoken of his desire to sign the Frenchman on a short-term loan spell with both Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho set to depart to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, leaving The Gunners short of attacking options.

But Houllier, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa boss, says Wenger is still to make contact over resigning Henry, who is currently training with Arsenal following the end of the MLS season.

"I find it strange what we hear in the media," Houllier said. "If Arsene needed him, he would have called me or [sporting director] Andy Roxburgh, but this is not the case.

"I do not think both parties need to have this second comeback. Moreover, he has become a dad again. I think he will appreciate this truce."

Henry scored 228 goals in 378 games across two spells at Arsenal, and returned to the club last January, scoring three goals in seven appearances, while also helping the club celebrate the 125<sup>th anniversary.

Arsenal will seek to put an end to their recent problems when they face Reading on Monday, but continue to be without Abou Diaby, while Laurent Koscielny, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are all set to return against the newly promoted Royals.

"It's difficult because some players are still not practising so I can still not tell you exactly who will be available on Monday," Wenger said. "Koscielny should come into the training group today, with Walcott we don't know but Giroud is back.

"Slow progress [on Diaby]. I cannot give you any fixed date because we are a bit in no man's land on that front. He is working. We are waiting for him to come back but he is not ready."

After last week's League Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Bradford City, Wenger faced further questions over his ability to bring progression to a Gunners side who are still to win a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005.