Now Vermaelan out for two months

Arsenal have been hit by another devastating injury blow after key defender Thomas Vermaelen underwent further surgery on a troublesome ankle injury last night.

The Belgian stopper spent the majority of last season on the sidelines after having surgery on his left ankle, and it seems the problem has once again flared up. Vermaelen received a knock during the Champions League tie with Udinese and subsequently missed the 8-2 defeat to Man Utd but it was hoped it was only a minor setback and he would return after the international break.

However, reports say he had surgery in Stockholm last night and is now facing 2 months out. It must be said at this point these are un-confirmed reports but evidence is gathering pace by the minute and it does seems as though there is substance in these stories.

This news will put added pressure on summer signing Per Mertesacker to hit the ground running and settle quickly in to life in the premier league.

Arsene Wenger will be cursing his bad luck after Jack Wilshere was also ruled out for 2-3 months with an ankle injury last week.