Bergkamp blow for Arsenal

Arsenal have been hit by an injury blow to Dennis Bergkamp that will keep him out of tonight's must-win game at Newcastle.

The Dutch striker, one of Arsene Wenger's best players this season, has a thigh injury and misses the match at St James' Park that Arsenal have to win to close the eight-point gap on leaders Chelsea.

But there was relief for Wenger with the news that Thierry Henry has recovered from a sore ankle suffered in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Fulham and will play while skipper Patrick Vieira has recovered from a virus that forced him to miss training this week.

Bergkamp will be replaced by Robin van Persie, who has been anxious to be given more first team opportunities following his £3million move from Feyenoord. Arsenal also have Ashley Cole back from suspension.

The Gunners will be helped by the massive injury problems affecting Newcastle manager Graeme Souness. Striker Patrick Kluivert is sidelined after he aggravated a hamstring injury during the 2-2 draw at Blackburn on Boxing Day. Striker Shola Ameobi is struggling to shake off a shoulder problem and skipper Alan Shearer is still out with a thigh strain. Lee Bowyer is available after serving a one-match ban but Stephen Carr [knee], Nicky Butt, Ronny Johnsen and Darren Ambrose [all hamstring] are all out.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, whose side won 2-0 at Portsmouth yesterday, suggested that Arsenal have had an easy ride with the fixtures. He said: "We have taken six points this Christmas but all I know is that Arsenal seem to get an extra day's rest over these periods. They had the same on Boxing Day."