Source: PA
Wenger backs Sol
Arsene Wenger has every confidence veteran Sol Campbell can produce the "big game" required should he be needed to stand in for Thomas Vermaelen and shackle Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Belgium defender Vermaelen, who has impressed since his £10million summer transfer from Ajax, is struggling to be fit to face the Barclays Premier League champions after picking up a knee injury in the midweek goalless draw at Villa Park.
Former Gunners captain Campbell came on as Vermaelen's replacement to make his first league appearance since rejoining the Gunners on a short-term deal.
Wenger has no doubt the former England centre-back can step in again should he be called for and said: "Sol is ready, if he has recovered well. I have to assess him but normally he will play if Vermaelen doesn't play.
"The good news we have on Vermaelen is there is no fracture. We have to assess his knee, there is still a small chance he plays on Sunday. We will do the maximum to get him fit, but at the moment it looks unlikely."
Wenger added: "Sol has experience and he likes the big games. He can turn up if needed and experience helps in these kind of games. Sol can cope with Rooney. I believe Sol has worked very hard and credit to him, every day he was motivated to push himself and he is quite fit, he looks fit."
