Pires reveals Campbell's distress
Beleguered Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has a "big worry" in his private life, says Highbury team-mate Robert Pires.
Campbell, 31, was taken off after a torrid first-half display in the 3-2 defeat against West Ham on Wednesday.
Manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the defender will not feature against Birmingham on Saturday.
Pires said: "He certainly has a big worry on the private side and that is what is upsetting him."
Campbell has also been given time off training amid reports that he is considering walking away from football.
The centre-back left Highbury at half-time having been replaced by Wenger.
Pires, speaking on French radio, added: "He has shown a certain distress in relation to what he can show. We know he's a gifted, very good lad.
"We want to tell him and make him understand that we are behind him whatever happens. We all have difficult times in our careers.
"It is hard for him to face up to the situation, but he is not alone. He knows that and we have told him so this morning."
Wenger was already without defenders Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue (African Cup of Nations), Kerrea Gilbert and Lauren (injuries) before he was forced to give Campbell some leave.
"There is not a lot of choose from," the Arsenal manager admitted. "I don't know what I'll do about it at the moment, I must think.
"Do I put Gilberto there or keep (Mathieu) Flamini at the back? I don't know."
