France causing worry with Henry and Arsenal

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Arsène Wenger has expressed his concern over France's treatment of striker Thierry Henry.

The Arsenal captain is due to take part in international fixtures with France and Wenger is worried that French coach Raymond Domenech will not know how to exercise discretion.

Henry has just recently returned from injury and Wenger is worried that Arsenal may be returned a heavily fatigued Henry.

Wenger said: "Unfortunately, I cannot influence that.

"Thierry played against Greece [in November] and we lost him after for two months. [William] Gallas played against Greece for 90 minutes and, since, we have not seen him.

"There is a conflict there between the interests of the national team and the interests of the clubs, especially after big competition where the friendlies conflict with the fixtures.

"Look at our schedule. Since the beginning of December, we have had one week without a game. All the other weeks, three games.

"How can a player survive when he played in the World Cup until the final and goes to the friendlies and plays for 90 minutes?"

Wenger also said that he has tried to raise the issue with the French football federation, but admitted that this is difficult.

He added: "With some countries, it is easier than with others - and with France it is difficult."