Arsene Wenger Reveals Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen could Return Against Barcelona Despite Achilles Operation

Frenchman tips defender to be back within six weeks
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen could return for the Gunners for the Champions League clash with Barcelona despite the defender preparing for surgery on his troublesome Achilles problem.

The Belgian has not featured for the Gunners since September and manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he will be out of action for four to six weeks but could still be available for the clash against the Spanish champions in February.

"It [the operation] is to take out a little ligament next to his tendon," Wenger explained to the club’s official website.

"It is to open it a little bit and cut out the ligament that has been causing the friction. It is a procedure - that is the right medical term.

"We are very optimistic [that this will cure the problem]. But, of course, it is now what you call in football a little bit longer delay of four to six weeks."

The first leg of the clash against Barcelona at the Emirates takes place on February 16 with the return leg on March 8 and Wenger has revealed that Vermaelen lining up against the Catalan giants is "not an unrealistic target".

"Let's count the weeks to Barcelona and you will know," he continued.

"I count a minimum of four weeks, maximum six, so it is not an unrealistic target.

"But don't forget as well, he is a little bit in the situation of Aaron Ramsey, he has not played since the beginning of September.

"That means he will need some games to be completely fit."