Vermaelen escapes broken leg

Gunners centre-back might play against Man United

By James Riach   Last updated: 28th January 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Vermaelen escapes broken leg

Vermaelen: Avoids serious injury

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Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has not suffered a broken leg after limping off against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The initial fear was that the Belgian centre-half had fractured his leg and that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the injury is not as bad as first suspected.

Indeed, the 24-year-old could even make the starting line-up for the weekend game against title rivals Manchester United in the Premier League, although this may come just too soon.

Manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal's official website: "There is no fracture in Thomas' leg but his injury still has to be assessed.

"There is still a good chance he will not play on Sunday."

Vermaelen has settled well into life in North London, and has started every league game for the Gunners this season, netting five goals in the process.

Injury updates

Meanwhile, Wenger has ruled out Eduardo and Abou Diaby for the visit of United on Sunday, although he says Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are available.

"Eduardo has a small, small, small hamstring," he added. "He will be out for one week. He will not make Man United but he might make Chelsea.

"However Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song have been in this morning. Eboue has been running outside.

"They are both in good shape. Tired but in good shape. Both of them are available for Sunday.

"Unfortunately Abou will not be back this weekend but he could be for Chelsea."

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