Campbell moves closer to FA Cup all-clear
Sol Campbell has taken another step towards sealing his place in Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final line-up against Blackburn this weekend.
Campbell has not started a first-team game since February 1, when he came off injured against Manchester United with a strained ankle.
He was not yet ready to return in last weekend’s victory at Middlesbrough but made his second appearance for the reserves in last night’s win against Watford.
Campbell, who also played for the second-string side against Norwich last week, came through the 90 minutes in a 3-1 win.
Arsene Wenger will assess the defender’s fitness and form as the build-up to Saturday’s game continues, but Campbell must now be increasingly hopeful of being given the nod in Cardiff.
He featured in a strong reserve side last night, partnering Pascal Cygan in defence, while Justin Hoyte also returned to action after an ankle injury and Robin van Persie and Jeremie Aliadiere were both on target.
In a further boost to Arsenal’s FA Cup chances, Jose Antonio Reyes, who went off at half-time against Middlesbrough with a dead leg, returned to training yesterday.
Freddie Ljungberg, who missed that game with a hip injury, was expected to train today, leaving only Gael Clichy, who has a broken bone in his foot, and Edu, who has a thigh problem, on the sidelines.
