Vermaelen escapes leg break
Reuters - Thursday 28 January 2010, 17:41
LONDON - Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen
is likely to miss Sunday's home Premier League clash with
champions Manchester United despite a scan easing fears of a
broken leg.
"There is no fracture in Thomas's leg but his injury still
has to be assessed," manager Arsene Wenger told the club website
on Thursday.
"There is still a good chance he
will not play on Sunday."
The Belgian international has made a huge impact at the
Emirates since his move from Ajax Amsterdam last year, scoring
on his league debut at Everton. He has netted six goals in 31
appearances for the club.
If Vermaelen is ruled out, veteran defender Sol Campbell
could be called into action for the third time in a week.
Wenger said Croatia striker Eduardo, who also limped off in
Wednesday's goalless draw at Villa Park, will miss Sunday's
match but could be back for the visit to Chelsea the following
weekend.
"Eduardo has a small, small, small hamstring (injury). He
will be out for one week. He will not make Man United but he
might make Chelsea," said the Frenchman.
Arsenal are third in the league, a point behind United and
two adrift of Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
Wenger also has Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue and
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song back at his disposal after they
returned from the African Nations Cup in Angola.