Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen feels 'physically strong' after injury layoffs

The Belgium defender believes his hard work when injured has paid off and is certain that the competition for places in defence can only be a good thing for Arsene Wenger's side

18 Nov 2011 20:58:00

By Omar Shahid

More On :  Arsenal FC, Arsène Wenger, Thomas Vermaelen
Thomas Vermaelen, Arsenal(Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen says he feels "physically strong" after his injury problems of the last 12 months and puts it down to working hard to get back fit when he was on the sidelines.

Don't Miss

Vermaelen missed the first two months of the season due to a tendon injury but has helped the Gunners achieve two clean sheets in their last two games since returning to the side.

"I feel fit and I had this as well last year," the Belgian centre back told Arsenal Player. "I was out for eight months and I played the last two games of the season but I still felt quite well.

"I work hard when I'm injured, I do my work, and when I come back I feel physically strong and good enough to be on the pitch."

The return of Vermaelen and fellow defender Sebastien Squillaci from injury has bolstered Arsene Wenger’s defensive options and the Belgian believes the competition can only be a positive.

"The boss now has a lot of choices in defence whereas in the past he had only a few," he added.

"We have had injuries as well but now everybody is fit and there is a lot of competition. It can only be good for the team that the boss has a lot of options over which players are going to play."

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  3. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms

    The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield