Henry playing through pain

Thierry Henry has revealed he is having to play through the pain of an Achilles injury.

Thierry Henry has revealed he is having to play through the pain of an Achilles injury, but claims the depth in the Arsenal squad could allow him to rest.

Henry, who has also hailed Patrick Vieira for snubbing the advances of Real Madrid, claims he has been carrying the injury since the tail-end of last season and suggests it hampered him at Euro 2004.

"I felt pain at the end of the last season and also during Euro," he told L'Equipe. "I thought the holidays would erase all that but,on resumption, after four or five training sessions I was forced to stop.

"I had pain walking, but resumed training a couple of days before the Community Shield. Now I still have pain but I can go through it."

Henry feels the pool of talent at Arsene Wenger's disposal will allow the fleet-footed striker to rest on occasions this season.

"This season it is interesting because we can rely on Fabregas, Reyes, and the confirmation of Kolo Toure, but also Pascal Cygan who always does his job well," added Henry.

"Perhaps we will be stronger. I don't want to say it too loud because I don't like that, but I could have some rest on the bench."

Henry feels Arsenal will benefit from the decision of France titan Vieira to remain at Highbury.

"It is fantastic he stayed at Arsenal," purred Henry. "It is fantastic for the club, for me and even for the English league.

"He is a great captain, with what he shows on the pitch. His desire is incredible. He can lead the group. It is logical he has become Les Bleus' captain."