Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed club captain Thomas Vermaelen will indeed miss the star of the season through injury.
The Belgian international defender aggravated a back problem that has haunted him for some time during the club’s pre-season tour of Asia last month and according to the Gunners’ boss, he is expected to be out for another four to six weeks. The Frenchman, however, had some piece of good news for the club’s fans as he admitted that left back Nacho Monreal could make a swift return to action than expected and is expected back in training in a couple of days after suffering from a back problem of his own as well.
Speaking to the reporters before the Emirates Cup, Wenger stated that Thomas Vermaelen could be out for four to six weeks while they expect Monreal to start training on Monday. The manager also confirmed that the former Ajax Amsterdam man will retain the captain’s arm band despite missing the start of the season.
Vermaelen had been linked with a move away from the club in recent months after Wenger had dropped him for all but one of the club’s last 11 games in the Premier League with Barcelona said to be interested in the player as a cover for ageing Carles Puyol and the error prone Gerard Pique at the heart of their defense. He had also been linked with a shock move to Manchester United for some time.
But with Wenger insisting the player will captain the side; it seems Thomas Vermaelen will remain at the club for one more season. Wenger stated the tour of Asia was intense and the heat was a factor as well and admitted that he is happy that no other players picked up any injuries during the pre-season tour.
