• Premier League

Vermaelen could return for Chelsea clash

ESPNsoccernet staff
October 14, 2011
Thomas Vermaelen could return for Arsenal in two weeks' time © PA Photos
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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is back in training and could be just two weeks away from making his return from injury, says Arsene Wenger.

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.

The centre-back began his rehabilitation at the start of October, with the club's game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 29 pencilled in as a likely return date.

The Belgian international made a big impact when he arrived at the Emirates from Ajax in 2009 but a series of problems have limited Vermaelen to just nine competitive games for Arsenal in the last 18 months. But the 25-year-old is closing in a return that would provide a huge boost for the Gunners injury-hit defence.

"He's two weeks away. He is running out on the pitches," Wenger told Arsenal's official website. "He looks alright but we have to respect the progression, you still have to give him two to three weeks to be competitive again."

Abou Diaby could also soon be set for a return after his injury, but right-back Bacary Sagna and midfielder Jack Wilshere are still long-term absentees. "He [Diaby] is coming back in full training now so he is 10 days away to be competitive to play. All being well he should be available for the Carling Cup or the game before.

"Basically we have Diaby, Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere out - the players who have had surgery - everybody else is available."

Arsenal head into Sunday's game against Sunderland with Laurent Koscielny, Johan Djourou or Carl Jenkinson ready to fill the void left by Sagna.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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