Sol was sent home early from the pre-season tour with an achilles tendon injury which was sustained during Euro 2004. The problem had been encountered in Portugal but considered to be minor - it was only following an MRI scan on his return that the tendon damage was detected. As Wenger says, "A tendon problem is very difficult to detect unless you do an MRI scan and you can see how bad the damage is. But they didn't do one and that's why we discovered the extent of the damage afterwards."

It's worth noting, in light of Wenger's comments, that while physio Gary Lewin does the job for both England and the Gunners, the England team doctor is no longer connected with Arsenal. Previously, John Crane and Tim Sonnex worked for both camps alongside Lewin. But Eriksson revamped his backroom staff back in September. England's team doctor is now Leif Sward, a fellow countryman of Eriksson's. The one person on the mnedical side of things to be retained in that clear-out was Gary Lewin.

Campbell will be out for at least 6 weeks, so can be expected to miss the first month of the new season. Interesting to see, then, that it's Pascal Cygan who's been used in Arsenal's last 3 friendlies, with Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos sharing the duties alongside him. One can only assume that Toure's starting place is assured.