Arsene Wenger is set to go transfer window shopping after picking up more defensive injuries in the win over QPR.
Arsenal seek new faces as fans prepare for Henry return
Arsene Wenger is set to go transfer window shopping after picking up more defensive injury problems in the win over QPR.
Stand-in left-back Thomas Vermaelen limped out of the 1-0 victory early in the second half and will be sidelined for around three weeks.
And the Arsenal boss admitted he will look to reinforce his squad with Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos already ruled out.
"We lost Vermaelen today for two or three weeks so I have to look if I can find somebody," the Arsenal boss said, clarifying that it is likely he will only be tapping into the loan market.
One player already on his way back to the Emirates is club legend Thierry Henry who is set to link up with Wenger once again.
The Frenchman is training with the club but the manager confirmed Gunners fans may have to wait before seeing Henry back in an Arsenal shirt.
"We have some paperwork to agree. I don't know if it is done or not and we are still waiting for international clearance. He will not be available against Fulham (on Monday) but may be able to play against Leeds in the FA Cup."
Matchwinner Robin van Persie admitted after the QPR clash he was licking his lips at the prospect of linking up with Henry again.
"He looks absolutely fantastic in training and I'm thrilled to have him back," the Dutchman said.
"He's a great guy. I played three years with him. I don't want to put too much pressure on him but the stuff he does in training is just fantastic."
Wenger is also looking forward to Henry's return and has little doubt the current and former captains will gel quickly.
"They can play together and he (Henry) can hopefully give a little breather to Robin as well.
"Thierry is there to help out; that's my target and to help in the dressing room and to bring us his class. He still has exceptional class and he might surprise a few people."
While the former Arsenal talisman is set to light up the Emirates again, Wenger was also swift to pay tribute to van Persie's exceptional 2011. The Dutchman scored 35 Premier League goals in the calendar year, one short of Alan Shearer's record.
"It is absolutely outstanding. Robin has had an exceptional season and today he put in an exceptional performance. He tried to play for the team and scored in the end the goal that gave us the points. That closes an outstanding year that will remain in the history of the club for him."
