Thierry Henry is adamant that Arsenal can go on to win the Premier League even without star striker Robin van Persie.

The former Arsenal star currently plays his football for Barcelona but admitted that he still tracks his former club's progress frequently.

Speaking to News of the World, the Frenchman said: "I say honestly right now that I think Arsenal can win the league [Premier League] - and I thought that even before the start of the season,

"I would really like to have known what they could have done if they had a striker who could score 20 or more goals.

"If Robin van Persie had not got injured before Christmas, then who knows what might have happened?

"You would like to think that having him in your squad would give you an extra six or seven points."

Henry went on to back Arsene Wenger in his belief that his young Gunners are ready for glory.

He added: "If Arsene [Wenger] managed to win a trophy this season with a squad so young it would be massive, particularly after the stick he got at the start of the season for saying he thought his team could achieve something,

"He has been criticised so often for saying his side could win a trophy - and who is laughing now?

"He wanted to do things his way and has shown he was not wrong.

"I know lots of people have a go at him over the lack of silverware but every year they are near the top."

Arsenal progressed to the final eight of the UEFA Champions League after their 5-0 mauling of FC Porto on Tuesday night and are very much in the hunt for the Premier League title along with Chelsea and Manchester United.