Campbell set for quick return
Sol Campbell is pressing for a first-team recall after coming through a full 90-minute appearance for the Arsenal reserve side on his long-awaited return from injury.
Campbell had last featured in a competitive game in June in England’s Euro 2004 quarter-final against Portugal, having been ruled out of the start of this season with an Achilles problem.
However, he was back in action last night during the Arsenal reserves’ 4-0 win against Coventry, in which Robin van Persie scored twice.
Although Pascal Cygan has done his best to cover for Campbell alongside Kolo Toure, Arsene Wenger will be keen to have his England international back in the first-team as soon as possible.
His fitness must be reassessed after last night’s run-out, although there may now be a chance of him featuring in the squad for this weekend’s game at Manchester City.
Wenger told Sky Sports News: “It was great to see Sol out there. He was playing in a good side with good young pros and it was his first game since the European Championships.
“It has been nearly three months and, for us to have him back just before the winter period, is a tremendous boost.
“I will give him time, but it could be short because he does not have any fitness problems and it is just a case of seeing how he reacts to injury.
“It is difficult to have a plan, but if he has no reaction it could be very short. We could consider him for the next game, as we need defensive stability.
“He can help us and we miss players of his quality, but the team has done well since the start of the season.”
Arsenal have made an unbeaten start to this season, although they dropped their first Premier League points in last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Bolton.
