Defender returns to Arsenal training
THE Arsenal defender Sol Campbell returned to training yesterday having said he was feeling better after a trip to the continent.

Campbell had not been seen by the club since walking out of Highbury after being substituted at half-time in Arsenal's 3-2 defeat by West Ham Unitedlast Wednesday, but reported for duty at the London Colney training complex.

The London Evening Standard said the England international arrived in England on a Eurostar train from Brussels on Sunday night. "I've been away since Thursday on a trip to the continent. Things are OK and I'm feeling better," the paper quoted Campbell as saying.

He missed Saturday's 2-0 win at Birmingham City and team-mate Robert Pires said he was taking time off to deal with personal problems.

Campbell's lawyer issued a statement saying that was not the case: "Sol is absolutely fine. He needed time and space to gather his thoughts," Bon Battu said. "He has no personal problems whatsoever and will be back training next week."

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said after the Birmingham game that he had spoken to the player, who was at fault for West Ham's first two goals.

Asked if he had forgiven him for walking out, the Frenchman said: "There is not a lot to forgive. There was no acrimony in the dressing room, it was just that he was not well and you just have to accept that."

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the PFA, has offered his unstinting support to the player. Taylor said: "Everyone who cares about football and cares about human beings should be prepared to show some sympathy to the lad. Clearly last week he had a 'beam me up Scotty moment' which we've all had."