• Premier League

Vermaelen recovery makes 'great step forward'

ESPN staff
October 3, 2011
Thomas Vermaelen's Arsenal career has been ravaged by injuries © Getty Images
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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen's protracted return from injury took another step forward on Monday as the defender was able to do some light running without suffering any pain.

Vermaelen has been sidelined with an Achilles injury ever since Arsenal's 2-1 win over Udinese in their Champions League qualifier in August - an injury that required surgery at the start of September.

Vermaelen came out to deny reports of a setback in his recovery earlier this week, before Arsene Wenger confirmed that the Belgium international would not be available until after the forthcoming international break - with the club's game against Stoke on October 23 a likely return date.

And Vermaelen now seems increasingly confident of being available for that match, after successfully completing some light running at training on Monday without feeling any pain in his leg.

He will now gradually increase his workload as he eventually looks to return to full training.

"Great step forward today. First run outside without any pain or discomfort," Vermaelen posted on his Twitter account. "Hopefully I can make good progress this week."

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