Thomas Vermaelan has not played since he picked up his Achilles injury nine months ago while on international duty. He looks set to start against Aston Villa tomorrow after being an unused substitute against Stoke last weekend.
Laurent Koscielny has a thigh injury during the Stoke City defeat and is going to miss the Villa game; leaving the door open for Vermaelan to step in as a centre- half replacement. Vermaelan is a strong presence in the Arsenal defence and has been missed during the season.
Vermaelan being back from injury will be good news to Arsenal fan although it is a little late in the season, however it is still a key time as the Gunners battle out for the third spot in the League and with the numbers of players injured still rising. Captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri are still doubts for the game against Villa and Arsene Wenger will make his decisions on them nearer to the game. Rosicky was ruled out during the week after he picked up a thigh strain; Diaby is likely to miss the game although it is believed that Clichy will be fit to play.
