Campbell will give Gunners real boost

Sol Campbell is set to give Arsenal the perfect lift as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

The England central defender has missed the last five games in the Premiership and Europe because of an Achilles tendon injury and Arsene Wenger was doubtful that he would be ready for this week's match in Holland.

But Campbell came through a rigorous training session yesterday with no ill-effects and, if he shows no reaction to a further strenuous work-out this afternoon, he will travel to Holland.

Despite criticism of Campbell's deputy, Pascal Cygan, manager Wenger has been pleased with the Frenchman in the last month. But there is no question that Arsenal are a stronger unit when Campbell is playing and his return would be a major boost after a disappointing 1-1 draw against West Brom on Saturday.

But it is highly unlikely that Dennis Bergkamp will travel. He is happy to make the journey by car and train to his homeland but Wenger is wary of playing the 35-year-old three times in a week.

Bergkamp, who also has an Achilles problem, started on Saturday and his experience will be needed next Sunday when Arsenal go to Liverpool.

Both Campbell and Lauren - whose contracts run out at the end of the season - are set to sign new deals by the end of January but it appears that Edu has still to settle on new terms. The Brazilian has been targeted by Barcelona but Arsenal want to keep him, although he will have to lower his wage demands.

But because of the injury worries concerning Gilberto Silva - he will discover in January if his back problem will allow him to play again this season - Arsenal may well run the risk of losing Edu on a free transfer because they need experienced cover in midfield.

Saturday's draw was not the launch Arsenal needed to a crucial week, but their disappointment was tempered by Chelsea's draw at home to Bolton. And the coming week holds no fears for captain Patrick Vieira.

"For me, this is an exciting week," said Vieira. "Our quality is there, our spirit and desire is still there. Now we need to show it on the pitch. We go through this kind of period every year at this time. November is not our best month. And as a captain I have a responsibility to get everyone involved and to get everybody focused.

"I am confident about Wednesday and about next Sunday.

"We need to improve our defending when we don't have the ball. We need to talk to each other."

He added that as the competition in England and Europe intensifies, Arsenal will have a valuable asset. "There are so many teams involved at the top," he said. "Manchester United won again and the team who want it most will be the successful one. The big advantage for us is that we have won the title a few times and we know what we need to do it again."