Platini: Arsenal failure could hurt Thierry

Arsenal's lack of international success could stop Thierry Henry being named as the European and World Player of the Year this month, former France midfield star Michel Platini said today.

"Thierry Henry is a man of great qualities and has played very well. But Arsenal have won nothing outside England and that is the only problem for Thierry," said Platini, who is a member of the executive committee of world governing body FIFA. "If they had won everything he would be for sure the best European player."

The Arsenal striker has been shortlisted for FIFA's World Player of the Year award, together with compatriot Zinedine Zidane and Brazil's Ronaldo. The winner will be announced in Switzerland on 15 December. Henry is also a hot tip with Czech Pavel Nedved to win the European Footballer of the Year on 23 December.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger today expressed his disappointment at the jeering endured by Gilberto Silva at Highbury this week but stressed: "It will not affect him. He will respond well." The midfielder was singled out for harsh treatment by a section of the crowd when he was substituted in the second half of the goalless draw with Fulham on Sunday.

He was clearly below par, possibly suffering from an excursion to Brazil 10 days earlier when he played two World Cup qualifiers.

"I was disappointed but the people who booed him were not in the majority," said Wenger.

Silva is likely to start tomorrow against Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.

Ray Parlour is still out, while Wenger is reluctant to risk Patrick Vieira for a second full game inside four days after his comeback against Wolves on Tuesday.

With Lauren completing his ban, Wenger is set to continue with Kolo Toure at right-back and Pascal Cygan alongside Sol Campbell.