Ankle injury may sideline Sol for three weeks

SOL CAMPBELL will miss tomorrow’s Premiership clash against Bolton because of an ankle injury and could be out for “two or three weeks”, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed.

Campbell has been troubled by the problem for some time and, following a scan, will not be match fit for the visit of Sam Allardyce’s men.

“Sol has come back, but he is out now because of a foot problem,” Wenger revealed.

“He played two or three weeks with it, but the injury became worse against West Ham. We had a scan and he will be out for two or three weeks. He cannot kick the ball at the moment. It is an ankle injury, but not a ligament problem. It is bone bruising.”

With the likes of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue still on African Nations Cup duty for finalists Ivory Coast, the experience of a fully-focused and fit Campbell would have provided a welcome addition to the Arsenal back line.

Alexandre Song is, however, now available again, and the 18-year-old could cover in the centre of defence.

Youngster Kerrea Gilbert is still not fit following his back problem, and although midfielder Freddie Ljungberg returns to the squad, Robin van Persie will again be rested, still troubled by a broken toe suffered last month.

Lauren is out for the rest of the season following knee surgery, while England full-back Ashley Cole (thigh) and Pascal Cygan (hamstring) are still receiving treatment.

Arsenal will be looking to avenge their FA Cup defeat at Bolton last month, with Wenger likely to include youngster Theo Walcott in the squad again.

The 16-year-old netted his first goal for the club in the reserve match against Portsmouth in midweek, having been an unused substitute against Birmingham City.