Post by Taxigirl on Feb 16, 2004 10:51:56 GMT
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has been forced out of the England squad for the friendly with Portugal on Wednesday due to a groin injury.
Campbell played the full game of Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup win over Chelsea at Highbury on Sunday, but just aggravated the problem in the process.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger says that he was reluctant to field the 29-year-old on Sunday but the former Tottenham man was desperate to face Chelsea.
"Sol is definitely out of the England game," said Wenger.
"I've got a lot of sympathy for Sven-Goran Eriksson but Sol has chronic inflammation of his groin and it's important to get him in good shape.
"I didn't want to play him against Chelsea.
"But he was good today because he loves to win and the FA Cup is special, particularly for English players."
With Campbell injured and Rio Ferdinand suspended, Gareth Southgate may get the nod to partner John Terry - as Newcastle's Jonathan Woodgate is also injured.
Sven Goran Eriksson would prefer to play his first-choice side in Faro against the hosts of Euro 2004, but will now have the chance to try other options.