Wenger: 'It is good to have Thierry back'

"It is good to have Thierry back and he was quite sharp for a guy who has not played for one month. But in the last month this team has taken off. We had one blip against Sheffield United but overall in five weeks, the team has been consistent in results and the way we have played.

"Thierry was as sharp as I expected but maybe it was an ideal game for him - 11 against 10. The pace was not too high and we controlled the game. It was a good way for him to comeback. I planned for him to comeback today if all went well. He is 100% but not 100% match fit.

"I kept him on because the pace of the game was not tremendous and it was good for him to continue. He has worked very hard fitness-wise. I nearly called him back against Sheffield United because we were short, but I didn't want to rush it. He is in a good frame of mind and has come back hungry and fresh.

"If you look across Europe most of the players that played late in the World Cup have had problems. I am convinced you will see a great Thierry Henry from now until May. We have a lot to go for.

"Maybe we are very far from the championship but we want to do as well as we can. We are in the Champions League and play in the FA Cup against Liverpool on Saturday.

"We are also in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup. A good Thierry Henry can make a difference in the big games. We have a good spirit in the camp and the team is very united."