Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed Thomas Vermaelen has picked up a calf problem and will miss Saturday’s crucial game with Chelsea.
Vermaelen made a shock start for the Gunners in tonights 2-1 victory over Bolton but was subbed off with just 4 minutes to go with what has now been revealed as a calf problem.
It was initially hoped that the Belgian would come through the game unscathed and would be in contention for the game at Stamford Bridge, but Wenger has ruled out his vice-captain:
He did very well. He had to come off for a minor calf problem but I hope it’s not too bad. He will be a bit short for Saturday, I don’t know yet what I will do.
We have to test him tomorrow, but it doesn’t look too bad. He has been out for a long time, he had only one training session yesterday with the team. I didn’t really expect a game of that intensity, it was a tough one for a centre-back.
They put us under pressure in the second half and the intensity of the game was very high. We don’t think it is a calf strain, it is just tight calves. He has not played a proper game for two months.
He wanted to come off. In fairness I did not want to take him off because I thought it was too stupid now with four minutes to go to concede a goal. He was adamant he couldn’t go on so I hope it’s not too bad.
