Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen sidelined until new year

Arsenal centre-half Thomas Vermaelen will not return to action until the new year as he continues to recover from an Achilles problem.

The Belgium international has been on the sidelines since September when he picked up the injury during his country's Euro 2012 qualifier against Turkey.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed to the club’s official website that the 25-year-old defender has more recuperation time to put in.

"Vermaelen is in a (protective) boot. We want him back and I hope he will be back soon, but not before January."