Sol Campbell could miss out on the FA Cup final for the second time in three years as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger weighs up leaving the England defender out of his starting line-up against Manchester United.
Campbell, who missed the 2003 final due to suspension, has just returned to the side after a three-month injury absence, but it could prove too late to replace Philippe Senderos or Kolo Toure.
Wenger has praised Senderos and Toure for their solid defending over the past few weeks and it appears that the Frenchman is not keen on changing a formula that works.
As such, Campbell knows he could miss out.
Nevertheless, the England defender — who was in Cardiff with the Arsenal squad ahead of Saturday’s final — had earlier insisted he would respect Wenger’s decision.
”The gaffer knows I’m ready to play but the team has done well without me.
”He might say that he needs experience and I’ve got tonnes of that. I want to play but I’ll respect his decision.
”That’s what he gets paid for and that’s why it’s a difficult job. Arsene is a fantastic manager and he’s made those kind of decisions before.
”I hope that I do make a difference. Saying that, the team has done well and it’s all about the squad.”
Senderos and Toure have formed a formidable partnership over recent weeks, with Campbell initially kept on the bench despite regaining fitness before making his comeback against Everton and Birmingham City.
He admitted: ”I’ve suffered this season. It’s been very difficult, with three big injuries. I suffered watching the team play, I suffered watching them lose and I suffered watching them win because I wanted to be out there.
”I couldn’t do the sport that I love to play and it has been frustrating. But I’ve learned a lot. When things are going well, obviously everyone loves you. When you’re not playing, all sorts of things go through your mind.
”It’s a question of how strong you are as a human being and as a footballer. You need to have that strength within, because you can otherwise go wayward.
”You have to realise how good you are. It took a couple of injuries to wake me up and make me get myself together.
”I still love football, though. All the other rubbish that goes with it sometimes gets on your nerves, but I love football, that’s the main thing.” — Sapa-AFP