The former France football international, Thierry Henry, Arsenal's all-time leading scorer, will return to the New York Red Bulls next week as his loan spell cannot be extended past the agreed date.
The 34-year-old Henry, who originally played for Arsenal from 1999 until 2007, scoring a record 226 goals, re-joined the club in early January but will go back his Major League Soccer club next Friday, the day after Arsenal play AC Milan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Red Bulls start their new season on March the 11th and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the French striker had to return in time for their pre-season training.
Henry has scored twice in five games during his loan, taking his all-time tally to 228 goals, meaning the inscription on his recently unveiled statue outside the Emirates Stadium will have to be updated.
He could even add to that tally as Arsenal play two matches before he leaves.
They face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend before the Champions League game against Milan.
