Henry targets Reds return

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry hopes to be back in action for the FA Cup third round clash with Liverpool in early January.

Henry has been sidelined since the end of November due to neck and hamstring problems, but the 29-year-old is eyeing a return for the Anfield showdown on Saturday January 6.

enry said in the programme notes for the 2-2 draw with Portsmouth: "The problem has been with my hamstring, a sciatic nerve.

"I have spoken to the boss about it and I think I will miss all of Christmas, but hopefully I can come back quickly in the New Year.

"It might be a nice way to come back against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but we will have to see, because it might be a bit afterwards.

"I have played a lot of games this year, but if I did not have my sciatic nerve bothering me, then I would be out there on the pitch now.

"I am never happy to miss one game, so when I know I am going to miss a month, I have to prepare myself. You have to accept sometimes it happens."