Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists there is no rift between him and Thierry Henry over the striker's decision to delay contract talks. Henry does not want to enter into discussions over his future until the end of the season, when he will have just 12 months to run on his deal.
Wenger said: "Our desire is to talk about it earlier but you can only talk about it when both parties are ready.
"We will do it when he is ready. You have to respect his views."
Barcelona are rumoured to be interested in taking Henry to the Nou Camp, and Henry could leave for a fraction of his market value if his contract is almost up.
Henry has missed the last six of Arsenal's games, but hopes to return against West Brom next weekend.
Earlier this week he said: "I want to concentrate on football, and focus on winning trophies rather than worry about contracts.
"At the end of the season we will talk about it. I will speak to the boss but my mind is not on it at the moment."
MMIX
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews