• Premier League

Vermaelen to play no part in Arsenal's run-in

ESPN staff
March 17, 2011
Thomas Vermaelen has not appeared since August © Getty Images
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Arsenal's chances of lifting the Premier League trophy have been harmed by the news that Thomas Vermaelen will miss the rest of the season.

The Belgian has not featured since August after suffering a number of setbacks in his bid to recover from an Achilles problem, which was initially expected to sideline him for six weeks.

Arsene Wenger is already without Johan Djourou for a significant period, probably the entire season, meaning that Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny will be forced into action at the heart of Arsenal's defence.

The duo have yet to convince as a partnership, giving Arsenal's backline a fragile look as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League, where they are three points behind Manchester United with a game in hand.

Wenger also revealed that Theo Walcott will be absent for the Gunners' weekend clash at West Brown, as well as England's European Championship qualifier against Wales at the end of the month.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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