Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled Thierry Henry out until after Christmas and admitted the France striker is unlikely to play until the new year because he has a hamstring injury.

Henry has already been troubled by a neck injury but Wenger is more worried by the new problem.

"Thierry Henry has started his rehabilitation," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's still not completely free with his hamstring but he starts to work again.

"We hope we can build him up and make him competitive again.

"The neck problem is sorted out. It was sciatic nerve problem but the hamstring is the most troubling at the moment."

Asked if Henry would be out until the new year, Wenger said: "Realistically, certainly yes.

"I wouldn't set a precise timescale as it's difficult to predict but Christmas certainly we will miss him.

"William Gallas is out for one week, maximum two," Wenger added.