WENGER STARTS THE GAMES

Last updated : 30 March 2004 By editor

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may rest Thierry Henry for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United at Villa Park.

Henry has been cleared to play for France in a friendly against Holland on Wednesday night .

It was thought that teammate Freddie Ljungberg would miss out on the semi-final clash, but he has been withdrawn from Sweden's squad for the Gothenburg clash with England on Wednesday after Wenger requested he be rested.

Wenger confirmed that he does not expect any Arsenal player involved in midweek to be part of his side in the repeat of the 1999 last four clash, even if it does mean two of the Gunners' best players will be missing.

'It is possible the players who go away on international duty won't play,' said Wenger, who confirmed Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires will stay in London to nurse minor injuries rather than face the Dutch in Rotterdam.

'We have a week where we can work on the recovery of our players, which is really welcome. That is why I will be able to rest some players if I feel they have played too much for their national sides. I am hoping none of them has to go through more than 45 minutes but we will check them when they get back.'