Vermaelen nearing return

Arsenal defender and vice captain Thomas Vermaelen is not far away from a return from injury, according to manager Arsene Wenger.

Vermaelen required surgery in September for an Achilles problem and began his rehabilitation at the start of October.

According to Wenger, he is likely to be back in two weeks, in time for the match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgium international has been outstanding whenever he has played this season and will provide solidity to a frail Arsenal defence.

"He's two weeks away. He is running out on the pitches," Wenger told Arsenal's official website.

"He looks all right but we have to respect the progression - you still have to give him two to three weeks to be competitive again."

Midfielder Abou Diaby could also return after a long term injury, but Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere still face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Wenger said: "He [Diaby] is coming back in full training now so he is ten days away to be competitive to play. All being well he should be available for the Carling Cup or the game before.

"Basically we have Diaby, Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere out - the players who have had surgery. Everybody else is available."

Sagna's position at right back will most likely be taken up by youngster Carl Jenkinson, with Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou other possible options.