And Arsenal lose Vermaelen for a month as well

Thomas Vermaelen, left, competes for the ball with New York Red Bulls' former Arsenal striker and fans' favourite Thierry Henry during the Emirates Cup soccer match between Arsenal and New York Red Bulls at the Emirates Stadium in London. (AP)

Published Tuesday, September 06, 2011

By Staff

Arsenal’s season was left in taters after a fresh injury blow to Thomas Vermaelen underwent an Achilles op in Sweden.

The Belgian international defender, who missed virtually all of last term with a similar injury, will be out for at least a month.

The news came 24 hours after England midfielder Jack Wilshere revealed he could be out for two months with an ankle problem.

Vermaelen, 25, picked up the injury in the Gunners' win at Udinese in the Champions League two weeks ago and missed the crushing 8-2 loss at Manchester United.

Yet Vermaelen yesterday had surgery in Stockholm in the hope of avoiding a long-term nightmare like last season.

His absence is another huge blow for boss Arsene Wenger, whose side host Swansea on Saturday still chasing a first Premier League win this term.

Arsenal Jack-ed Wilshere injury: Capello