Arsenal: Thomas Vermaelen Will Not Return Until the End of January

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger revealed today that central defender Thomas Vermaelen would be out until the end of January.

The 25-year-old Belgian defender has been out since late August due to an Achilles injury. While Vermaelen was initially reported to only be out for a couple of days, the injury proved to be much more serious.

Wenger stated two weeks ago that the Vermaelen would return to action in January. His statement today clarifies that he won't be expected in the lineup until the end of that month.

Vermaelen was an astute signing by Wenger, as he made a significant impact after arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2009. The team has struggled defensively in his absence.

According to Wenger, "He is short on fitness and we have to build it up. That will take three to four weeks... He has started now and the signs are good. But I have been hit so many times with backlash that I am very cautious with Vermaelen."

Arsenal fans will find solace in the fact that both Abou Diaby and Lukasz Fabianski are expected to return to the squad for Monday's Premier League match against Chelsea.

Finally, there is better news on the recovery of Kieran Gibbs, who has been struggling with an ankle problem for the past two weeks. 

"Gibbs should be available at the beginning of January," said Wenger, who is also without goalkeeper Manuel Almunia until next month.