• Premier League

Vermaelen available for Chelsea clash

ESPN staff
October 26, 2011
Thomas Vermaelen trained with Arsenal on Wednesday © Getty Images
Enlarge

Thomas Vermaelen has declared himself fit for Arsenal's showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend, despite being forced out of the action in the 2-1 Carling Cup win over Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.

The Trotters clash was the defender's first appearance for two months following an ankle injury, and he lasted 84 minutes before coming off with cramp in his calf. After the game, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger doubted whether Vermaelen would be ready to play Chelsea - but the Belgium international participated in training on Wednesday and delivered an upbeat bulletin.

"It was great to be back and to get time on the pitch. I felt fresh, I'm OK and am available for Saturday," he said.

Vermaelen is on course to make an eagerly-anticipated link-up with summer signing Per Mertesacker at the heart of the Gunners' defence - although he will first need to displace Laurent Koscielny, who has impressed in recent weeks.

Arsenal's backline looked in disarray early in the season, but they have looked more resilient of late, conceding seven goals in their last eight matches.

The Gunners emerged victorious over Bolton thanks to strikes from Andrei Arshavin and Park Chu-young. Fabrice Muamba, formerly of Arsenal, had given the visitors the lead.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices