Campbell returns to Arsenal training

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 United last Wednesday but reported for duty at the London Colney complex, north of London.

The London Evening Standard said the 31-year-old England international centre back 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 Standard 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 on Saturday saying that was not the case.

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

"He's okay and focused to come back and to work hard to get back into the team," Wenger said.

Arsenal's next match is on Saturday at home to Bolton who ended Arsenal's reign as FA Cup holders when they beat them 1-0 in the fourth round of the competition at the Reebok Stadium on January 28.