"Thierry has an inflammation of his neck. That is a handicap for playing Bolton," Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"He had a problem with his back a little bit earlier and he came in stiff on Wednesday. It has not improved a lot since. It’s a short term thing."

Henry's injury comes as a blow to French tactician Wenger who lost the services of Dutch forward Robin van Persie through suspension.

Shortage of attacking options could pave the way for English youngster Theo Walcott to make the starting line-up after he excelled Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Hamburg in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

The list of absentees includes also Tomas Rosicky and William Gallas who are suffering from hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.

Arsenal have to win at the Reebok Stadium in order to revive their hopes of competing Chelsea and Manchester United at the Premiership summit.