Arsenal defender setback

Tuesday, 11/01/2011

Arsenal may have to dip into the transfer market following news of a setback for defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The Belgium centre-half was expected to return to action early in the New Year - but boss Arsene Wenger admits that the player has had a minor setback.

No date has been given for the player's return and he is due to have further tests on an injury that has dogged him since last September.

The Gunners have been boosted by the news that fellow central defender Sebastien Squillaci's hamstring injury is not as bad as was first feared and he could return to action within three weeks.

But the North Londoners are woefully short of cover in centre defence and that may mean Wenger moving for to get cover.

There are been suggestions that Sol Campbell could return to the club he left last summer. The former England man has missed games at Newcastle due to lack of fitness and then injury - and he is known to be unhappy over the sacking of boss Chris Hughton, a close friend.

Campbell has yet to appear for new Magpies boss Alan Pardew and does not fit into the club's buy-young, sign long contracts policy. However, he did marry during the summer and his family home is now in the north east.

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