Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted Monday there was no rift between himself and captain Thierry Henry.

Henry, who faces several weeks on the sidelines with a sciatic nerve problem, was reported to have stormed out of training Friday after learning he would not play against Tottenham.

The 29-year-old French striker has said that he was merely disappointed at missing Tottenham's historic first visit to the Emirates Stadium which the Gunners won 3-0.

And Wenger said that he had cleared the air with the striker on Monday.

"I sat down with Thierry on Monday to discuss his fitness and there is no problem between us," said Wenger.

"We have always had a strong relationship and that remains the case."

Wenger confirmed that Henry will be out of action for at least several weeks.

"As you know he keeps picking up niggling injuries which are down to fatigue," explained Wenger.

"It's very frustrating for him you know because this series of injuries has kept him out of a few important games this season, including Tottenham last Saturday.

"The medical team has now assessed the situation and although it's difficult to predict exactly, Thierry will be out for at least a few weeks, as we need to give him time to fully recover.

"Of course I am aware of stories circulating in the media about our meeting last Friday. I just feel that it's important to reiterate that there is no problem between myself and Thierry, in fact, we have always had a strong relationship.

"I wanted to clear this up and end any further speculation as it is a pivotal week in our season and we now need to focus on the upcoming Porto game where we need to get a result to qualify for the next stage of Champions League."

Henry also missed the previous weekend's trip to Bolton with a neck problem, and he has now revealed he is also suffering from a sore left thigh muscle.

Reports of a rift between Henry and Wenger were further fuelled by the manager's insistence that he would not sign any new players in January, despite the fact that they are 16 points behind leaders Manchester United.

"The January transfer window opens soon but I can confirm that we will not sign anybody," Wenger repeated Monday.

"We will go on until the end of the season with the players we have."

(China Daily December 6, 2006)