Winterburn: Sol must accept cover role

Former Arsenal left-back Nigel Winterburn claims Sol Campbell's return to the club has been forced on manager Arsene Wenger because of the lack of defensive cover.

Winterburn also suggests the former England international will struggle to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium.

Winterburn told the Evening Standard: "I don't expect Sol to play a lot of games. Arsene doesn't bring back people for sentiment. He doesn't usually let players back in. He has obviously been monitoring Sol and what his fitness is like. They have little cover for the first-choice centre-backs in William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen. There are no young ones coming through."

Campbell is set to complete a deal to keep him with Arsenal until the end of the season.

The defender last played for the club in the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in 2006.

The 35-year-old is hoping the move will resurrect his career having joined League Two side Notts County on a five-year contract in August, only to walk out a couple of days after making his debut against Morecambe.

But Winterburn suggests the defender may struggle to get a game for Arsenal and there is little, if any, chance of an England recall under Fabio Capello.

He added: "I think Sol would be very naive to think he is going to be a major player at the club in his position now, I'm sure he knows that.

"He has to be mentally ready to play a big part in case someone does get injured. He may just play four games or if someone does drop out it could be more like 15.

"He has been an impressive player, but people don't look back and it's about what he can offer now."