Gunners firepower blunted as Henry ruled out of FA Cup replay

Premiership champions Arsenal's leading striker Thierry Henry, seen here 14 February 2005, had been ruled out with an Achilles injury on the eve of their FA Cup replay with Championship outfit Sheffield United

Premiership champions Arsenal suffered a serious blow on the eve of their fifth round FA Cup replay with Championship outfit Sheffield United with the news that leading striker Thierry Henry had been ruled out with an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old's absence adds to Arsenal's woes as Dennis Bergkamp, Jose-Antonio Reyes and Robin van Persie are all suspended for the clash.

Bergkamp was sent-off in the first match - which ended in a 1-1 draw - for pushing Sheffield United's Danny Cullip in the face after the latter's bad tackle on Cesc Fabregas.

Reyes was not cautioned at the time but he was subsequently banned for three matches, like Bergkamp, for slapping United's Andy Liddell during a melee that ensued following Cullip's tackle.

Van Persie also has incurred a three match ban for his sending-off against Southampton on Saturday.

United should welcome back Liddell, Paul Thirlwell, Nick Montgomery and Derek Geary, though Irish goalkeeper Paddy Kenny is doubtful with a hip injury.