All Is Not Lost As Arsenal Prepare Thierry Henry Farewell

Arsenal look set to lose Thierry Henry within a week, after the legendary striker concludes his two month loan spell, but Arsene Wenger believes Gervinho's goal in the Africa Cup of Nations will give the striker the confidence to fight for his place when he returns to the Emirates.

Henry has so far scored twice in five games for Arsenal, and has served as great support for Robin van Persie, with the players having seen the hitman as an inspiration in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.

And while many Arsenal fans had lived in hope that Henry might extend his stay at the club, New York Red Bulls have confirmed that the 34 year will return to America this month.

"When I spoke to him [Henry], he told me that he was 100 per cent coming back on February 17," Red Bull boss Hans Backe told Sky Sports.

"What I know, it's only rumours. I haven't heard anything from them about extending the loan."

Wenger also confirmed as much, telling reporters today: "I would have loved Thierry to stay for two more weeks but he has to go back. It's only fair on New York."

But all is not lost, with Gervinho close to coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations after a stunning display in which he scored the winner for Ivory Coast against Mali in the semi-final.

The striker will now take part in the final against Zambia, and Wenger believes that when he does come back to Arsenal, he will harbour far more confidence in his ability than when he left.

"It was a cracking goal against Mali," Wenger told the official Arsenal website.

"They were the better side but he made the difference. They scored only one goal, Gervinho made it and you can basically say he scored it on his own because he started on the halfway line and finished in a cool way.

"Sometimes he rushes his decisions a little bit but I was very happy that he kept calm and finished in a very controlled way.

"That's great news for his confidence and his country as well because I believe they are the best team in Africa by a big distance at the moment. Hopefully they will get rewarded in the final."

While Wenger admitted the 24 year old is still displaying weaknesses for Arsenal, the goal for Ivory Coast will iron out those issues as he strives for a place in Arsenal's starting line-up.

"He creates those dangerous situations but the coolness he misses a little bit. That can help him to do that. I feel he proved that with us," he said.

"Also, who doesn't want to be a hero in his own country? That will help him to be recognised in his own country and therefore boost his confidence levels."