Arsenal`s Henry doubtful for United clash

London: Arsenal`s Thierry Henry and Thomas Vermaelen face late fitness tests ahead of Sunday`s clash with Manchester United but Mikel Arteta will not feature as Arsenal seek revenge for their 8-2 thrashing at Old Trafford in August.

"At the moment I don`t think he (Vermaelen) will make it for Sunday," manager Arsene Wenger said about the Belgian defender who has been out since New Year`s Eve. "Let`s hope we have a good surprise. Let`s see how he develops. There may be a test. At the moment we just go day by day but he looks short. "(Henry) will have a test on Saturday; he has a calf problem. (Arteta) has no chance. The earliest for him is Aston Villa." Fifth-place Arsenal are 12 points behind second-placed United but Wenger says the teams are evenly matched. Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have recovered from injuries and are fit to face Arsenal. "We`re a bit better in terms of injuries. Smalling and Jones will be fit," United manager Alex Ferguson said about the pair who missed the 3-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers last week. There was further good news with midfielders Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley making progress with ankle injuries. Bureau Report