Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is set to miss a further six weeks of action after it was revealed today that the Belgian international will undergo surgery to repair a troubling Achilles injury.
Vermaelen picked up the injury whilst on international duty at the start of September and has not been seen since.
The North London club had been hoping for the defender to return to action this month, but they have now decided that surgery would be the best solution for the problem.
Vermaelen will be hopeful of a return within four to six weeks after having the operation in Sweden. The defender was quoted on Sky Sports as saying:
‘According to the specialist who will operate on me it’s a little tendon situated beside the Achilles tendon which is provoking the irritation.’
He finished off with:
‘I’ll undergo this operation in Sweden.’
Taking this into account, surely Arsenal are in desperate need of reinforcements in their defensive department this January?
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that he is willing to dip into the transfer market if it were necessary, well it seems to me that this has now become the case. In my opinion, the Frenchman must acquire a centre-back to strengthen the back-line before the winter window shuts.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka, Philippe Mexes and Christophe Samba in the past (as well as many other defenders) but nothing has yet transpired. I’m hoping that Wenger does sign a quality centre-back this January. Any of the players mentioned above would be an ideal acquisition for the club in my view. However, with only 2 weeks left before the winter window closes, Wenger will need to act fast, and most importantly, find the right man for the job.
So, who should Wenger sign to solidify the back-line? Give us your thoughts on the matter.
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why is everyone ruling out ignasi miquel as cover?
whats the point of bringing young players and they never been given a chance to play.
squillaci and vermaelen wont be sideline forever.
letting nordveit go was also a bad decision from wenger.
Ideally, Gary Cahill would be perfect, but who knows what Wenger has in mind. I agree with Sam, letting go of Nordveit was a bad decision on Wenger’s part, but I feel Ignasi is not ready for first-team action yet.
yes you are right about miquel but its better to gamble on him than someone with no premiership experience who might suffer like squillaci cause i don’t believe arsene will pay 10 millions for samba or 15 millions for cahill.
we should wait and see
silvain distin!
well not sure but at least he has epl experience
I would like to see Samba come in. He will cost us around £7-10 million, but Wenger will probabaly look for a player who can come into the club on a short-term basis, maybe even a loan is on the cards.
One thing is certain, we need cover at the back rapidly…14 days and counting people
Well I think now even Wenger must agree we need to buy to strengthen the defence. I hope he gets a defender and anyone of the names you mentioned in the article would be ideal. Lets face it though he probably won’t.