Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry is on the road to recovery, but has ruled out the possibility of the striker turning out for Arsenal before Christmas.

The France international has missed Arsenal's last three games due to a nerve problem in his

neck.

Wenger feels the club have got to the root cause of Henry's neck problem, but says he is also being troubled by a hamstring injury which is set to keep him on the sidelines until after

Christmas.

"Thierry Henry has started his rehabilitation, but he is still not completely free with his hamstring," Wenger said on Sky Sports News.

"He starts to work again and we hope to slowly build him up and get him competitive again.

"The neck problem is sorted out. He had a sciatic nerve problem and a hamstring problem and that is the most troubling at the moment."

The Gunners have taken four points from games with Tottenham and Chelsea in Henry's absence and Wenger will not rush his captain back into action.

"I would not set a precise timescale because it is difficult to predict how long it will take," added Wenger.

"We will take the needed time. Christmas certainly he will miss."

Henry's international team-mate William Gallas has been sidelined since the middle of November with a thigh complaint, but Wenger hopes to have him available for the busy festive period.

"William will be one week, maximum two," added Wenger.

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