Bad news for defender as lay-off period is extended

Defender Thomas Vermaelen's return to the side has been delayed for another month, with manager Arsène Wenger saying that the Belgian international will now return late January.

The 'Verminator' picked up the Achilles tendon injury whilst playing for his home side in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Turkey on 7 September.

Whilst initially indicating that the 24-year-old would return in the New Year, Wenger now says that his return has been pushed back to the end of January.

Wenger said: "Thomas is short on fitness and we have to build it up.

"It will take three to four weeks and I would rather say late January.

"He has started his recovery and the signs are good.

"I have been hit so many times with backlash that I am very cautious."

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