Campbell won't be rushed back, says Wenger
Sol Campbell was set to makes his long-awaited return to action tonight when the Arsenal reserves hosted Leicester at Barnet, but Arsene Wenger maintains he will not be rushed back into first-team contention.
The England centre-back has not featured for the Gunners since the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham on the final day of last season because of a calf problem.
While the 30-year-old has been in full training for several weeks, his manager will not take any chances in recalling Campbell too soon.
“He has been out for a long time and he has worked hard,” Wenger told www.arsenal.com. “His fitness is very good, he just needs games now. He has not had one for a long, long time. The last one was against Birmingham in May.
“I don’t want to fix any time for his return, but he will come back into first-team contention at the time I think he is ready.”
Campbell’s injury ruled him out of England’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland.
However, the defender has been assured he remains part of national team boss Sven-Goran Eriksson’s plans.
Earlier this month, the Gunners insisted Campbell was committed to staying at Highbury and had not requested a transfer.
Club officials issued a statement after defender Philippe Christanval, who was not given a contract after a trial with Arsenal, was quoted in French newspaper L’Equipe claiming Campbell had “asked to leave”.
Although Campbell has admitted having words with Wenger after missing out on an FA Cup final place last season, the club insist he remains happy.
Wenger, meanwhile, hopes to add at least one other player to his ranks before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
The Gunners had been chasing Uruguayan goalkeeper Sebastian Viera, but an agreement could not be reached and he joined Villarreal, meaning Wenger will now turn his attentions elsewhere for fresh talent.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Sunderland’s Mart Poom to provide experienced back-up for Jens Lehmann.
