Captain Thomas Vermaelen ‘very close’ to Arsenal return

Arsene Wenger has revealed that Thomas Vermaelen is now “very close” to making his return to action for Arsenal and could be available for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

The Belgium international has not featured for the Gunners yet this season after suffering a back injury before the north London club’s pre-season campaign.

But the Arsenal boss revealed that the defender could be in line to make an appearance at the Stadium of Light.

“Vermaelen is back in full training,” said Wenger. “He is very close to being available and he could be in the squad on Saturday.

“It is more likely to be Wednesday [against Marseille], but there is a possibility he might still travel on Friday to Sunderland.”

Wenger, who also confirmed that Tomas Rosicky is out of the game with a hamstring problem, added that summer signing Yaya Sanogo will miss Saturday’s game with a back injury.

“Sanogo has a back problem,” he continued. “He came back from the first game of the France Under-21s with it. He is certainly out for Saturday.”