Henry's return to Arsenal to be decided on Jan 1

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering trying to bring Thierry Henry back to the club on a two-month loan from the New York Red Bulls to fill the void left by strikers going to the African Cup of Nations.

Henry won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups during a hugely successful eight-year spell at Arsenal, establishing himself as the club's all-time top scorer.

After leaving London for Barcelona in 2007, Henry moved to New York in 2010 but he has been back at Arsenal to train during the Major League Soccer offseason.

A statue of the 34-year-old Frenchman was unveiled at the Emirates Stadium last month to coincide with the club's 125th anniversary.

Henry is currently enjoying the MLS off-season and is on holiday in Mexico. Prior to his vacation, he had been maintaining his fitness by training with the Arsenal squad.
 
Both Gervinho and Chamakh stand to miss several games for the Gunners when they depart for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, leaving huge onus on Robin van Persie to stay fit and provide the goals during January.
 
Henry, the club's record goalscorer, could provide the ideal cover, with his duties in the US not set to recommence until March. A short loan deal could benefit both club and player, and Wenger admits he will make up his mind in the next seven days.
 
"I have to think about that," Wenger said. "Short term is ideal for us, but I haven't made any enquiry yet. Thierry is not here at the moment. It has never come up in conversation.
 
"January 1 is the vital date for us. We have seven days to make decisions and I will make a decision in the next seven days on players."
 

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