Campbell facing two-week lay-off
Sol Campbell has been ruled out for at least two weeks with the ankle injury from Arsenal’s defeat against Manchester United in midweek.
The England centre-back limped off towards the end of Tuesday night’s game and was expected to miss tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa and the England friendly against Holland.
However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed the 30-year-old will also miss the London derby against Crystal Palace on February 14.
“We have lost Sol for two weeks,” confirmed Highbury boss Arsene Wenger.
“Apart from him, everyone who played on Tuesday should be available this weekend, Sol’s injury leaves us short in defence.
“I don’t know what I will do yet exactly but I have a bit more time to think about it.”
The Frenchman does not have many options, with Kolo Toure completing a three-match ban for his clash with Alan Shearer in the win over Newcastle, and Philippe Senderos still carrying a knee injury.
This may force full-back Justin Hoyte to partner Pascal Cygan in the heart of the defence.
Hoyte impressed in that role earlier in the season when Arsenal won 4-1 at Norwich after he stepped in at the last moment for Cygan who injured himself in the warm-up.
