Thierry Henry has been included in the Arsenal squad to face Everton on Wednesday but manager Arsene Wenger said he would not risk the striker for the FA Cup final later this month unless he was fully fit.
Henry, the Premier League's leading scorer with 25 goals, has been sidelined since early last month with a groin injury and had been expected to miss the Cup final against Manchester United in Cardiff on May 21.
"Thierry is back with us in the squad, that's very good. I'm very surprised that he's back, but we will have to see how he reacts to playing and training regularly," said Wenger.
"I'm not sure if he will start (against Everton), I don't think so. I expected the season to be over for him but he worked very hard.
"He thought the season was over too and he did need a break. But I feel he's done very well to get back. He always wants to play but maybe we will have to be more cautious.
"I wouldn't take the slightest risk with him, even for the Cup Final."
Midfielder Freddie Ljungberg will miss the match against Everton at Highbury with a hip injury but the Swede has returned to training and could be in contention for Arsenal's final game of the season at Birmingham.
Arsenal are practically guaranteed runners-up spot behind champions Chelsea in the Premier League. They are six points ahead of third-placed Manchester United with two games to play.
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