Arsenal's Vermaelen out till 2011

Arsenal's star centre back Thomas Vermaelen will not be back in action until at least 2011, according to boss Arsene Wenger.

The Belgium captain has been unable to recover suitably from his Achilles injury that he picked up on international duty.

"Vermaelen is in a [protective] boot.

"We want him back and I hope he will be back soon, but not before January."