Vermalen Still Injured, Says Barca

Barcelona have confirmed that new signing from Arsenal Thomas Vermaelen is still nursing a hamstring injury and will have to wait before engaging in training ground sessions.

Vermaelen joined the Catalans for £15m and was presented at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

The Belgian defender admitted he has not fully recovered from an injury he picked up during his country’s 1-0 win over Russia at this summer World Cup.

Belgium Defender Thomas Vermaelen Might Have Played Just 29 Minutes of Football in Brazil, After Picking Up This Injury Against Russia. Image: Getty Image.
Belgium Defender Thomas Vermaelen Might Have Played Just 29 Minutes of Football in Brazil, After Picking Up This Injury Against Russia. Image: Getty Image.

A statement from Barcelona said: Thomas Vermaelen injured his right hamstring during the World Cup in June. The player will undergo physiotherapy, and the evolution of the injury will determine when he returns to training.”

The former Arsenal skipper hopes to “start from zero” after missing most of last season with the North Londoners due to series of injuries.