Sven's Defence

Looks like Campbell has done a "Collymore"........

LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feared for Sol Campbell's mental health after the England centre-half stunned Highbury by storming out of their 3-2 defeat to West Ham United at half-time.

The Gunners' defensive rock was left distraught after Wenger told him he was being substituted following blunders which gifted the visiting Hammers a shock two-goal lead.

"Sol is not well," Wenger said.

He doubted whether Campbell would play again in the near future -- an unexpected headache the French boss could do without given that injuries and the African Cup of Nations have already robbed him of six top defenders.

"I took him off because he was in a mental shape, I felt, too much down to come back," Wenger said after the defeat, with his star defender nowhere in sight.

He said the 31-year-old had charged off without permission and was too depressed to continue playing.

Wenger would not guarantee Campbell a seat on the bus for Saturday's trip to lowly Birmingham City, where another defeat could trigger talk of a crisis at Highbury.

"I don't know yet, it's too early to say. I will see how he responds to the situation," Wenger said of the 66-times capped stalwart.

For a senior professional of Campbell's stature to quit his teammates when things are going badly is a sign of the frustration at Highbury as their campaign for silverware crumbles.

Wenger revealed: "Sol was very down at half-time and he felt guilty. At half-time I had other worries, I decided to change Sol and then you go on with it. I knew it would be better for him personally.

"He did not do it meaning disrespect to the club or to the team but I feel he's very, very down and that's the only issue.

"His confidence is not at the highest at the moment.

"It was a gamble because I had no defenders on the bench. I just feel it was more him feeling guilty that he made the mistakes. Maybe he's a bit down that it doesn't work for him at the moment."

Teleman