Henry misses Arsenal's derby date with Spurs

LONDON COLNEY, England, Dec 1 (Reuters) Arsenal captain Thierry Henry will miss tomorrow's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur after failing to recover from a neck injury.

Manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports News today: ''The bad news is he is not fit, but the good news is we are focused on winning the game.'' Henry also missed Arsenal's last two Premier League matches, which ended in defeats at Bolton Wanderers and Fulham, almost certainly killing off their faint title chances.

Despite the losing run, Wenger said: ''I think it is a good time (to play Tottenham) as we want to bounce back from our two disappointments and win our game.'' Spurs, who were denied a Champions League place by Arsenal on the final day of last season, will face a team that draws heavily on young players.

Responding to criticism that his sides are simply too young for the demands of the English top-flight, Wenger said: ''I feel I have a strong team. It is right that they are young and I believe in them.

''They will get there as they are strong players and will develop very quickly. I know exactly what I want to achieve with them and I will get to where I want to go.

''I am convinced we are on the right track and this will show through.'' REUTERS SAM RK2105