Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos was given time off to recover mentally following his side's Champions League exit, according to his father.

The 2006 finalists were knocked out by Liverpool 5-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals this season, with many critical of the Swiss centre-back's performance in the second leg of the tie at Anfield.

Liverpool's Sami Hyypia escaped Senderos easily to head in the opening goal from a corner, while striker Fernando Torres was also given space by the 23-year-old to turn and shoot inside the box to score.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger then picked Alexandre Song for the crucial Premier League match against Manchester United, which the Gunners lost 2-1. It was only Song's second league start for the club.

Senderos's father Julien confirmed that the defender was given time to recover, saying: "Philippe has been on the phone to us every day for the last few days.

"He was not feeling too good after Arsenal went out of the Champions League.

"Arsene Wenger gave him Sunday and Monday off so he could clear his mind and he has done that.

"But it's not the case that he is suffering from depression."