'He Will Never Recapture That Magic': Arsenal Warned by Former Player

Thierry Henry's sensational return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, which is expected to be completed soon, has served a welcome New Year's gift to the Emirates Stadium. However, opinions have been mixed regarding the move.

With players set to depart for the African Cup of Nations at the end of January, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that his former captain would return in a playing capacity, albeit on loan, for two months.

The New York Red Bulls striker is currently training with the club in a bid to maintain fitness during the MLS off-season. Not many imagined he would play for Arsenal again, after leaving the club for Barcelona in 2007, but the move is now imminent.

However, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon, who played alongside Henry from 1999 to 2004, has warned the club and labeled the move 'risky'.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Dixon claimed that players on second stints rarely find the form they displayed during their first shift.

"He will never recapture that magic," said the former England right-back. "He is not the player he was when he left, that is obvious.

"His pace has waned a little and he is several years older, which does slow down the body. He needs longer to get over games now, even at MLS level.

"A full 90 minutes in the Premier League, having been so long out, may be too much to ask."

However, Dixon also admitted the Frenchman's return would provide a huge boost to the dressing room while also adding some much needed experience.

"His stature at the club is such that everyone will be lifted by his signing, albeit for two months," stated Dixon. "He will invigorate a dressing room that is now showing some signs of experience - a missing ingredient in recent years.

"Arsene Wenger and Thierry are very close and I'm sure they have talked about how his position will be used. With the African Cup of Nations intruding into the domestic calendar then it is feasible that Thierry might be needed to start a game or two.

"But he will be of best use as an impact sub. He is a top drawer finisher, no doubt, and he will score if given a chance - although I think that Arsenal are still short up front, even with Thierry."