[Reprint from SUN]

THIERRY HENRY is taking part in an intense fitness programme at Arsenal to prepare him for his Premier League return.

The legendary striker, 34, is set to return to the club in a loan spell until March with Arsenal officials last night locked in talks with New York Red Bulls and the MLS.

Although Henry has been training with his former club during the MLS off-season, he is still not 100 per cent match-fit and has only just returned from a holiday in Mexico.

Boss Arsene Wenger is keen for Henry, 34, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, to make a brief return to the club.

Equally, the French ace is also keen to help the team, who need immediate back-up for key man Robin van Persie.

Henry will now receive extra training away from the first-team squad to get him ready for his shock return.

If Red Bulls and MLS officials rubber-stamp the move, Henry is likely to make his big comeback against Leeds in the FA Cup on January 9.

Arsenal have agreed to pay Henry's wages of £70,000-a-week while they will also be liable for his insurance.

Meanwhile, strike ace Marouane Chamakh looks certain to leave next month while Arsenal hope to land Cologne's £16million-rated German striker Lukas Podolski.

（一个慢牛)