Wenger in uncharitable mood with Henry

Arsene Wenger has urged France coach Raymond Domenech not to jeopardise Thierry Henry's long-term fitness by forcing him to play two full matches for his country in the next week.

France take on Costa Rica in a friendly in Martinique on Wednesday, which is scheduled as a fundraiser for the families of victims of a plane crash in August, followed by another game against Germany next weekend.

Despite Wenger's reservations about Henry flying to the Caribbean after returning only recently from a long-term groin injury, the striker feels duty-bound to play as his mother is from Martinique.

The Arsenal boss is therefore appealing to Domenech to restrict Henry's involvement in the two friendlies for the benefit of both club and country.

'It's in the interests of France to give him one-and-a-half games. They only meet up tomorrow and then fly out to play the game in Martinique on Wednesday night. It would be very dangerous for him to play 90 minutes,' he warned.

Henry showed no signs of any fitness concerns in Saturday's 3-1 win against Sunderland at Highbury, scoring twice and hitting the post with an incredible overhead kick.

He paid tribute to the impact of Robin van Persie, who scored for the fifth time in four games to put Arsenal ahead and was also involved in the build-up to his side's second goal.

The Dutchman was making only his third Barclays Premiership start of the season, but has found a rich vein of form which increases hopes he could be the long-term replacement for Dennis Bergkamp, who is set to retire next summer.

Henry said: 'I don't know if there will ever be another Dennis Bergkamp. Dennis is Dennis. I won't even go there.

'Robin can go his own way. He likes more to dribble and do stuff more by himself, while Dennis will kill a defence with his passing.

'Without going too far, Robin has everything that a player would dream of having. He can play anywhere he wants. It's just up to him. I am not joking about that. It's down to him and his desire.'

Van Persie has taken 16 months to find his feet at Highbury, with his temperament placed in question last year after his dismissal at Southampton, while he still has a rape allegation - which he denies - unresolved.

Referring to that red card at St Mary's, Henry added: 'It's not easy on the pitch - sometimes people don't try to get the ball, they try to get your leg.

'Every human being reacts sometimes. I don't think he has got a bad character. What he is doing now is the best thing he can do.'