Arsenal‘s club captain Thomas Vermaelen suffered a back injury in pre-season and missed Arsenal’s tour of Asia in as a result.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that the Belgian, 27, is back in full training and could be on the squad for Saturday’s trip to Sunderland in the Premier League but it is more likely that he will be in the squad for the UEFA Champions League match in Marseille on Wednesday.
“Vermaelen is back in full training. He is very close to being available and he could be in the squad on Saturday,” said Arsene Wenger.
“It is more likely to be Wednesday, but there is a possibility he might still travel on Friday to Sunderland.”
Thomas Vermaelen was dropped from the starting line-up at the end of last season as Laurent Koscielny took his place. The centre-back will be looking to regain his place in the first team squad as soon as he is match fit.