Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen eyes return to first team action

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has expressed that he wants to return to first team action for the Gunners during their Capital One Cup encounter with West Bromwich Albion later this month.

The talented Belgian centre-back missed out on Arsenal's pre-season tour to Asia, as a result of aggravating a back injury, and has yet to make an appearance for the Gunners this season.

However, with the availability of an International break, Vermaelen hopes to return to full fitness to make a comeback for Arsenal for their third round Cup tie at the Hawthorns.

Vermaelen told reporters : "The West Brom game is a few weeks away yet and hopefully I will be closer to a return myself in the meantime.

"West Brom looks like an interesting draw – it looks like a tough game but a nice game too. It's one we will take seriously and with a high focus.

"I can't put a date on my comeback yet, as it depends on how I respond to the physical work I am doing, but I am focusing day by day and am really happy with how things are going so far."

Vermaelen has found himself on the fringes of the first team since losing his position at the expense of  Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.