Arsenal Defensive Dilemma: Thomas Vermaelen Ruled out for Three Months

Arsenal's strong reel in the final moments of the summer has been drastically overshadowed following the news that defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen will miss up to three months of football following surgery on his left ankle.

The Belgian has been a shinning light in Arsenal's dark start to the season, which sees the Gunners' winless in their opening three Premier League encounters. Considered as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, the 25-year-old was set to form a dynamic partnership with new signing Per Mertesacker in the centre of defence.

The Arsenal vice captain, who was signed from Dutch giants Ajax in 2009 for £10 million and went on the make the PFA Team of the Year in his debut season with 45 appearances and eight goals, managed just five games last season with a severe Achilles injury. Vermaelen is a natural leader and possesses a composed presence in what has become an increasingly fragile defensive line at the Emirates.

Mertesacker's £8 million signing from Werder Bremen greatly mitigates the injury sustained by the Belgium international and Arsene Wenger does possess the assuring presence of Laurent Koscielny to deputize for Vermaelen.

Wenger also has imposing Swiss Johan Djourou at his disposal, but the 24-year-old has become increasingly unconvincing in his recent performances for the Gunners. Spanish teenager Igansi Miguel is a promising prospect who recently made his Premier League debut for Arsenal whilst veteran Sebastien Squillaci is also a valid defensive contributor.

However, this is a major set back for Arsenal as they aimed to restart their poor start to the season following the international break. Vermaelen's presence is so strong and vital to the Arsenal lineup and it will be a huge test of character for the young Gunners to regain their place in the penthouse of the English Premier League.