After several seasons of speculation about his long-term future with the Gunners, Henry finally departed north London for Barcelona during the summer.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also allowed Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg to join West Ham in a clear out of players at the Emirates Stadium.
Jeremie Aliadiere, Arturo Lupoli, Fabrice Muamba and Mart Poom all left Arsenal for good, while Johan Djourou and Kerrea Gilbert agreed loan deals.
In addition, Spanish forward Jose Antonio Reyes, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, agreed a permanent move to Atletico Madrid.
Wenger has over years been reluctant to splash out money on existing stars - and preferred to identify talented young players from all parts of the world and develop them within the club's youth system.
However, this summer the Arsenal boss has gone out and signed Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva and France defender Bacary Sagna. Both players will be expected to make an immediate impact.
In the wake of Henry's departure, Wenger's own position at the club has been questioned and the Arsenal board has been anxious for the Frenchman to sign a new contract.
However, Wenger does not want his own future to be unsettling for the players and is hoping to have a positive outcome from contract discussions soon.
"I do not want to be unsettling," he said. "I am highly committed to the club, I have shown that many, many times in my life and I don't think anybody can question that.
"We are talking and usually when we talk, there is always a positive outcome. At the moment nothing is done, but hopefully soon."
Da Silva and Sagna could make their Arsenal debuts against Fulham, while striker Emmanuel Adebayor is out with a groin injury.
Veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be considered after being given an extended break following the Copa America.
Meanwhile, Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez has been hyper-active in the transfer market and has brought in a host of fresh faces including Chris Baird, Hameur Bouazza , Lee Cook, Steven Davis, David Healy, Aaron Hughes, Diomansy Kamara, Adrian Leijer and Paul Konchesky.
Players leaving Craven Cottage include Mark Crossley, Heidar Helguson, Claus Jensen, Mark Pembridge, Franck Queudrue, Tomasz Radzinski, Heidar Helguson and Michael Brown.
Defender Aaron Hughes is ruled out of Sunday's because of an ankle injury, while fellow centre-backs Philippe Christanval (knee) and Ian Pearce (ankle) are rated doubtful for the match.
Sanchez saved Fulham from relegation last season when he replaced Chris Coleman for the last few weeks of last season. The former Northern Ireland manger now has to prove he can do a job for the club over an entire season.
"I'm not sure Arsenal can quite bridge the gap between themselves and the top two,? Sanchez said. "When you look at the investment made at both Chelsea and Manchester United, and then see the investment Arsenal have made, then I don't think it's going to be enough.
"And of course they have lost Thierry Henry as well. But last season's top four teams will be the top four teams again."
Arsenal will certainly attack the Fulham goal but Sanchez's team will attempt to soak up the pressure and hit the Gunners on the break.
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