Arsenal hit with injury blow

Arsene Wenger’s luck has gone from bad to worse, as Thomas Vermaelen is set to be sidelined for up to two months after undergoing an achilles injury on Monday.

The Belgium international centre back missed the bulk of last season with a similar injury, and went under the knife in Sweden to remedy a knock picked up against Udinese in the Champions League qualifiers two weeks ago.

The 25-year-old pulled out of the Belgium squad for the recent Euro 2012 qualifiers, and also missed Arsenal’s 8-2 hammering by Manchester United in their last league game.

The Arsenal vice-captain has had a difficult time in North London since signing from Ajax for €10 million in July 2009, as his initial excellent form is quickly being forgotten by Gunners fans as he is yet again unavailable for selection.

The news come only hours after team-mate Jack Wilshere revealed that he will be out for up to three months with a knee injury.

The blow will put more responsibility on the shoulders of new signing Per Mertesacker, who now will be expected to slot straight into the Emirates’ outfit’s rearguard.