Arsenal Captain Offers Injury Update

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has given the latest on his recovery from a calf injury and revealed that he should be back in action soon.

The 28-year-old has been on the sidelines since picking up a knee injury during the closing stages of the first half during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham back in early January.

The Belgian international’s comeback was delayed further after he suffered a set back in training two weeks ago when he picked up a calf strain.

However, speaking ahead of tonight’s Champions League last 16 clash with Bayern Munich, Vermaelen has told Arsenal.com that he is now back in training and doesn’t expect to be on the sidelines for too much longer as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

“It’s going well, I’m training outside now and getting back to fitness. It was a knee injury, but then I also had some tightness in my calf. But it’s getting better now, so I shouldn’t be out for long.

“I don’t want to put a date on it, but I can say it will be short-term. I’m building up my fitness now.”

Vermaelen may no longer be considered as a first team regular after losing his place in Arsene Wenger’s starting eleven this time last season, but he’s still an important member of the squad.

He’s still the club captain and is a reliable back-up if Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny pick up an injury or suspension, so it will be important to get him fit again.

We’ve been lucky that Per and Kos have remained injury free over these past few weeks otherwise we’ve have a serious problem at the back,  so Vermaelen’s return will give us another valuable option in the center of defence as we approach the defining period of the season.

Arsenal have a nightmare run of games coming up that will see us play Everton, Bayern Munich, Tottenham Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton in a row. An injury or sending off to Mertesacker and Koscielny during the run of games would be a disaster if Vermaelen is still out injured, so it’s important he’s fit and available as soon as possible so he’s ready to step in if needed.