• Premier League

Arsenal defender Vermaelen suffers ankle setback

ESPN staff
November 9, 2010
Theo Walcott plans Fortress Emirates

Thomas Vermaelen's recovery from a problematic ankle injury has been delayed by a setback in training and manager Arsene Wenger admits he is unable to put a timescale on the defender's recovery.

Vermaelen has been missing for two months due to his ongoing fitness problems but Wenger said last week the Belgian defender could be available for first-team selection in a matter of days.

That optimism has proven ill-founded though as Vermaelen suffered a setback in training on Monday and will now need to undergo further examination before the club know when he is likely to be available once again.

"I don't know where we go with Thomas time-wise but, at the moment, he cannot play," Wenger said. "On the scan, his Achilles is completely clear but as soon as he stays out for a while, it tightens up and he has pain. We don't know the source of his pain."

Though both Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie are expected to feature against Wolves on Wednesday night, midfielder Abou Diaby may also require further examination as he recovers from an ankle injury.

"He has a test Wednesday or Thursday," Wenger said. "If he gets through that, it will be very quick; if he still has pain, he will have to see a specialist."

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