Brazil and Arsenal FC midfielder Gilberto believes Sol Campbell will be fit to feature in Sven England in this summer's World Cup, and is confident that Thierry Henry will sign a contract extension at Arsenal.

England defender Campbell, 31, has been missing from the Arsenal squad for over a month because of an ankle injury.

But the Brazil international told BBC Radio Five Live: “I talked to him and he's looking forward to the World Cup.

England head coach Sven Goran Erikssson has said that if Campbell is fit, he will be a certainty to go to the Finals, but his form and mental state have been open to question recently.

But Gilberto insisted: “He's coming back, he's all right now, he has put everything in the past now and he wants a new challenge. I think he will be fit for the World Cup."

Gilberto also said that Thierry Henry has been unsettled by talk of a move away from the club but is confident the striker will sign a new contract with the club.

The 28-year-old France striker will be out of contract in 2007 and has not signed a new deal, with speculation rife that the talented forward will be moving to Spanish giants Barcelona at the end of the season.

Gilberto added: “It has been difficult for him because of all the paper talk about him leaving at the end of the season.

“No-one knows what he wants to do, but everyone expects him to stay, he loves the club and we are all really confident he will stay,” finished the Brazil midfielder.

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