Campbell back for Gunners miss Henry, Ljungberg
Sol Campbell returns to Arsenal’s squad for tomorrow’s game at Chelsea, but Arsene Wenger is still unsure whether to throw the centre-back into the starting line-up.
Thierry Henry is definitely ruled out of the match at Stamford Bridge with a groin problem and is already doubtful for next Monday’s game against Tottenham.
But while Gael Clichy, Freddie Ljungberg and Matthieu Flamini are also ruled out, Campbell is at least back in contention for the first time since injuring his ankle on February 1.
“Sol is in the squad but I don’t know whether he will play. He is slowly getting there but he’s still a fraction short, so it’s a decision that I have to make,” revealed Wenger.
“I’m not sure whether I will start him, but just having him back in the squad will be important as everyone loves him and he’s a winner.
“It is always hard not to play him but he’s been out for a long time and the last I rushed him back, he was not completely right and his performances were not of his normal standard.
“Then his confidence dropped and that’s why I feel that I have to give him the necessary time.”
Edu also returns to the squad but Henry, who missed the FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn, is still sidelined.
“Thierry had a try in training and wasn’t right. I don’t know how long he will be out for, although I don’t think it will be long term,” concluded Wenger.
“It could be Tottenham next Monday or maybe the game after that [at West Brom].”
Provisional squad: Lehmann, Taylor, Lauren, Eboue, Cole, Toure, Senderos, Campbell, Cygan, Vieira, Gilberto Silva, Edu, Fabregas, Pires, Reyes, van Persie, Bergkamp, Aliadiere.
