Sol Campbell has been recalled to the Arsenal squad for the trip to Chelsea on Wednesday but Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg will miss the top-of-the-table clash.
The England centre back, out since February 1 with an ankle injury, has played two full 90 minutes for the Reserves in recent weeks and was nearly selected for the FA Cup Semi-Final at the weekend. In the end, Arsène Wenger decided to leave him at the training ground for more fitness work. It seems to have paid off however, the manager added, there is no guarantee he will start the game at Stamford Bridge.
Thierry Henry was given a run-out this morning but has not recovered from the groin injury that kept him out of the Semi-Final. Freddie Ljungberg will also be out after aggravating his niggling hip problem during that match. Mathieu Flamini (thigh) is still missing while Gael Clichy (foot) will not figure again this season. However Edu is fit once more and has been named in the squad.
"Henry, Ljungberg, Clichy and Flamini are out," said Wenger at this afternoon's pre-match press conference. "Thierry had a try-out this morning in training but did not make it.
"I don't know how long it will be for him. I don't think it will be a long, long time. It might be Tottenham or it may be the game after."
Campbell's inclusion is also major news. He sustained his ankle injury in the final minutes of Arsenal's last Premiership game against a title-contender - the 4-2 defeat to Manchester United.
"Sol is getting there but is still a fraction short," said Wenger. "However it is important to have him back in the group again. Everybody loves him and he is a winner. It is a big boost.
"But I don't know whether I will start him or not. I have to make a decision on that. You have to respect he has been out for a long period. Last time I rushed him back when he was not really right and the performances were not of his standard. After that the confidence can drop. That is why I may have to give him time." (www.arsenal.com)
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