Thomas Vermaelen suffers knee injury during Belgium World Cup clash

Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has suffered a knee injury during Belgium’s 1-0 victory over Russia, which has plunged his participation in the remainder of the tournament into doubt, report the Daily Mail. Furthermore, there could be more drama, potentially as the Mail report depending on the severity of the injury, it could jeopardise Man United’s interest.

The 28-year-old, who has been tipped to join Manchester United this summer after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates, was injured in his side’s warm up but deemed himself fit enough to start the match moments later.

However, he proved unable to shake of the injury and was subsequently replaced just after the half hour mark by Tottenham Hotspur’s jan Vertonghen.

Visibly upset when he left the field, Vermaelen’s tournament appears to be over, depending on the severity of the problem, but the knee complaint could also have repercussions for his club future.

With a proposed move to Old Trafford expected to take place later this summer, new Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is likely to be unwilling to part with £12 million for a player that may be destined to spend a significant period of time on the treatment table next season.

Thomas Vermaelen completed 93% of his passes last season.