Nigel Winterburn claims Sol Campbell's return to Arsenal has been
forced on Arsene Wenger because of the lack of defensive cover.
Former Arsenal left-back Winterburn also suggests the former
England international will struggle to make an impact at the
Emirates Stadium. Campbell is set to complete a deal to keep him
with Arsenal until the end of the season.
The defender last played for the club in the Champions League
final defeat to Barcelona in 2006. The 35-year-old is hoping the
move will resurrect his career having joined League Two side Notts
County on a five-year contract in August, only to walk out a couple
of days after making his debut against Morecambe.
But Winterburn suggests the defender may struggle to get a
game for Arsenal and there is little, if any, chance of an England
recall under Fabio Capello. Winterburn told the Evening Standard:
"I don't expect Sol to play a lot of games. Arsene doesn't bring
back people for sentiment. He doesn't usually let players back in.
He has obviously been monitoring Sol and what his fitness is like.
"They have little cover for the first-choice centre-backs in
William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen. There are no young ones coming
through.
"Philippe Senderos wants to go and that just leaves Mikael
Silvestre. When you are challenging on three fronts you need more
than one player to act as cover.
"That's why Arsene has gone for it. If Gallas and Vermaelen
stay fit they will still play the majority of games. We might just
see Sol in the FA Cup.
"I think Sol would be very naive to think he is going to be a
major player at the club in his position now, I'm sure he knows
that.
"He has to be mentally ready to play a big part in case
someone does get injured. He may just play four games or if someone
does drop out it could be more like 15. He has been an impressive
player, but people don't look back and it's about what he can offer
now."
Campbell won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups with
Arsenal after joining from Tottenham on a free transfer in 2001.
The defender played the first 45 minutes in Arsenal reserves' 4-2
win against West Ham at Upton Park last night but Winterburn, who
played for Arsenal between 1987-2000, has doubts over whether
Campbell's fitness will be up to the rigours of the game in the top
flight. He added: "One reason I left Arsenal was because I realised
I wasn't going to be playing a lot. My performances suffered. It is
physically demanding to keep up with the younger players."
With the World Cup just five months away, Winterburn believes
that Campbell, capped 73 times for his country, has little chance
of making the England squad. He said: "We will have to have one or
two injuries for him to get back, I think it is a step too far.
It's not impossible but it's unlikely."
Campbell has been training at the Gunners' Hertfordshire base
since quitting Notts County. The paperwork associated with his
signing is expected to be completed in time for him to be available
for the trip to Bolton on Sunday.
After last night's run-out, Campbell said: "There are still a
few technicalities to iron out, but I have signed for Arsenal until
the end of the season, and it's fantastic, great, marvellous. The
old enthusiasm is back.
"I'm ecstatic really to be back at Arsenal, and I have worked
bloody hard to get there. Arsene Wenger has been an inspiration. He
has watched me closely after letting me train at Arsenal for nearly
two months now.
"He's not stupid - he wouldn't have taken me back if he
didn't like what he has seen, and I have worked and worked. I do
believe I can contribute.
"I really have my confidence and fitness back and I believe I
can make a big, big contribution.
"There is fantastic quality all around the pitch within this
Arsenal team and I want to be part of it, and I will make a big
push to try to do that, but it's little steps at a time."
