Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been ruled out of France’s European championship qualifying match against Cyprus because of injury.

Henry, who is suffering from an ankle injury, has been replaced by recent Liverpool signing, Bruno Cheyrou.

Henry’s former Arsenal colleague, Chelsea midfielder, Emmanuel Petit, is recovering from a toe injury and is expected to start the match.

‘Manu is going much better and the doctor is optimistic about the Saturday’s match,’ Santini confirmed.

The newly appointed coach is already missing Roma defender Vincent Candela, Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, Bayern Munich defender Bixente Lizarazu and Juventus striker David Trezeguet through an assortment of injuries.