By Myles Palmer
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THIERRY HENRY misses the Chelsea game with a bruised foot.
He was injured in the midweek game against Southampton.
After training on Saturday, Arsene decided not to risk him.
Henry has been withdrawn from the French squad.
JOSE REYES looks set to deputise.
Arsenal will still win !
It’s not a one-man team and never has been.
The absence of Thierry does not weaken the defence or the midfield – and Pires, Bergkamp and Reyes can all score goals.
So can Sol, Pat and Ray Parlour. So can Ashley Cole.
So Arsenal will have SEVEN goalscorers on the pitch.
And one goal might be enough to win the game.
(Note : there is a fitness doubt about Sol.)
IT WILL BE a big test for Reyes, if he starts – and a huge opportunity.
The kid is a fantastic talent and it’s only a matter of time before he settles in and starts turning on his toreador skills.
If Reyes gets two good passes, he will score.
In the light of this unexpected news, there may even be a case for starting Edu, who could find Reyes with longer passes.
But Arsene will not do that. He will start Gilberto.
A 12.30 kick-off. And a 2-1 win, methinks.
7.45pm.
Saturday 14th February 2004.