Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no doubts playing Sol Campbell from the start tonight at Villarreal.
Wenger believes Campbell's experience will outweigh any doubts that may linger over his defender's mental state.
He refuted claims it was a risk pitching Campbell, 31, back into the fray on such a vital night.
Wenger said: "Is there a better opportunity for Sol to show his strengths and his quality than to come back in a semi-final when you know we need to defend well?
"I trust his qualities and his strengths. This is what you dream of and to be in this position. I wouldn't dream of a better way to come back."
Wenger stressed that Campbell's credentials for playing in such a clash were impeccable.
No one could claim that, all things being equal, Campbell cannot handle big games having proved himself time and again for his club and England.
Wenger said: "As soon as I knew Senderos was out of the game I made up my mind to pick Sol. People forget that Sol was our defender when we had a 49-game unbeaten run and I still believe that everyone has big confidence in Sol.
"Circumstances have changed. He has shown a weakness in his life on that day but that can happen to everybody and I feel that everybody is capable of understanding that.
"Playing him is only a little gamble because he has not played the number of games you would wish him to have had. But physically he looks all right.
"Fortunately he had that recent game at Portsmouth. He will be OK."
Wenger could have gone for Swiss youngster Johan Djourou instead but argued it was no contest against a seasoned international like Campbell.
He said: "It is a time for experienced players, which is why I decided to go for Campbell.
"Even though Campbell has missed a game or two, he can compensate with his experience.
"It was not a close decision. For me Sol Campbell is obvious, the only reservation would be that he's been out and has just come back from surgery."
Wenger believes Campbell's experience will outweigh any doubts that may linger over his defender's mental state.
He refuted claims it was a risk pitching Campbell, 31, back into the fray on such a vital night.
Wenger said: "Is there a better opportunity for Sol to show his strengths and his quality than to come back in a semi-final when you know we need to defend well?
"I trust his qualities and his strengths. This is what you dream of and to be in this position. I wouldn't dream of a better way to come back."
Wenger stressed that Campbell's credentials for playing in such a clash were impeccable.
No one could claim that, all things being equal, Campbell cannot handle big games having proved himself time and again for his club and England.
Wenger said: "As soon as I knew Senderos was out of the game I made up my mind to pick Sol. People forget that Sol was our defender when we had a 49-game unbeaten run and I still believe that everyone has big confidence in Sol.
"Circumstances have changed. He has shown a weakness in his life on that day but that can happen to everybody and I feel that everybody is capable of understanding that.
"Playing him is only a little gamble because he has not played the number of games you would wish him to have had. But physically he looks all right.
"Fortunately he had that recent game at Portsmouth. He will be OK."
Wenger could have gone for Swiss youngster Johan Djourou instead but argued it was no contest against a seasoned international like Campbell.
He said: "It is a time for experienced players, which is why I decided to go for Campbell.
"Even though Campbell has missed a game or two, he can compensate with his experience.
"It was not a close decision. For me Sol Campbell is obvious, the only reservation would be that he's been out and has just come back from surgery."
