Campbell returns for Arsenal to lift World Cup hopes

Sol Campbell will hope to take a significant step toward rescuing his place in England's World Cup squad by starting in Arsenal's Premiership match at Portsmouth tonight.

It will be the first appearance by the 31-year-old defender since his dramatic walk-out of Highbury after being substituted at half-time in Arsenal's defeat by West Ham on 1 February.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, yesterday confirmed that Philippe Senderos would be rested for the re-scheduled fixture, with Campbell taking his place. He also said that Ashley Cole would resume full training on Monday after recovering from an ankle injury. "He is making progress and working hard," Wenger said.

Both players hope to be in Germany this summer but Wenger said that their participation in the tournament was not his concern.

However, Wenger added of Campbell: "I would be happy if we could combine both - for him. I want him to go to the World Cup. But when I make that kind of decision I do not consider England, because that would be unfair.

"I play him because I feel he is ready for us; but on the other hand, indirectly, he knows he needs to play before the World Cup if he wants to be selected."

Campbell has received reassurances from England manager Sven Goran Eriksson that if he plays before the end of the season he will make the World Cup squad.

Campbell was excused from training after the West Ham game when Wenger admitted that the defender was not in the right frame of mind to continue playing. He has since recovered mentally but has also been hit by foot and toe injuries.

Wenger said that Kolo Touré will also be rested, which will allow Campbell further opportunities although he may struggle to maintain a place, especially as Arsenal are understood to be planning to buy another central defender.

Fratton Park holds happy memories for Campbell - he scored in last season's corresponding game which was his first goal in 16 months - and Wenger said it was "important that he shows he is back to his best".

Arsenal are also likely to recall Thierry Henry - who was rested in the weekend defeat at Manchester United. "Some players need a break," Wenger said. "You cannot go and play the eight games in front of us with the same players. But I feel it would be an easy excuse to say we lost because of that."

A foot injury means Cesc Fabregas will be missing and Wenger has to juggle the League and Champions' League. He stressed that finishing fourth in the Premiership was imperative. "But we can combine both," Wenger said.

A win would lift Arsenal above Blackburn Rovers and within two points of Tottenham Hotspur while Portsmouth would climb out of the bottom three if they continue their recent impressive form. "We are ready to have a real go at them," said manager Harry Redknapp.