Wenger: Sol could yet make World Cup
Campbell is re-launching his career at the Gunners until the end of the season.
And while Arsenal manager Wenger is more concerned with Campbell giving cover to his back four in the Premier League, he reckons the 35-year-old has the dedication and the physical talent to resurrect his international career.
Wenger said: “It (England) is not the immediate target but you should not rule anything out.
“If you were in his position, what would you want to do? You would want to give your best and you never know. It is unlikely maybe, but if you are in his shoes you would say ‘Let’s give as much as I can’ and you never know.”
Campbell is not in the squad which travels to Bolton tomorrow, a squad boosted by the return of captain Cesc Fabregas, following his hamstring injury, and full-back Gael Clichy, who has recovered from a back problem.
But Wenger expects Campbell to feature in a busy month ahead which includes crucial games against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as well as a tricky FA Cup tie at Stoke.
Wenger said: “I have seen him in training and he is very sharp. His attitude is good, his talent is good. But it is the game which decides.”
Campbell, who played 45 minutes in the reserves earlier this week, was a key part of both the Arsenal double-winning side of 2002 and the ‘Invincibles’ who went through an entire season undefeated two years later.
When asked whether he regretted allowing Campbell to leave in 2006, Wenger said: “Life is life. I did not make him leave. He wanted to go. We live in a world where everybody is free to do what he wants with his life.
“It gives us the opportunity to have one more centre-back. Sol will give us experience, good advice and physically he has worked very hard.
“It is an opportunity for him to re-launch his career and for us it is a good help for the rest of the season. He is dedicated, motivated and looks happy to be back.”
Wenger insisted, however, that William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen were his first-choice centre-backs and admitted that out-of-favour Philippe Senderos could be on his way out of the club soon.
For his part, new Bolton manager Owen Coyle admits he will feel “emotional” and “a sense of pride” when he takes charge of the Trotters for the first time tomorrow.
Coyle may have been in the job only a matter of days after arriving from Burnley but has an affinity with the club stretching back to the 1990s when he wore the shirt.
He is relishing the challenge of going head-to-head with Arsene Wenger, a manager he has great respect for.
Coyle said: “It will be emotional and I will feel a sense of pride as well. If I wasn’t nervous there would be something wrong.
“The first few days with the players have been great. It has been a whirlwind but I have enjoyed every moment. There are some good players here and they have applied themselves well in training.
“I feel privileged to be Bolton’s manager and excited about what lies ahead. You want the ball rolling and your first game getting underway. We will try and earn some points.’’
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