Vermaelen Fit for Premier League Return

Arsenal says defender Thomas Vermaelen is fit for his first Premier League match for more than two months at Chelsea on Saturday.

The Belgium international missed 33 Premier League matches last season because of an Achilles injury and has sat out another seven already this season after sustaining a similar injury in August.

The 25-year-old Vermaelen made his comeback in Tuesday's 2-1 League Cup win over Bolton.

He had to be replaced because of cramp in his calf but Arsenal says he will be fit to play at Stamford Bridge against the third-place Blues.

The Gunners have steadied after a poor start to the season and, with Vermaelen back in the heart of their defense, will be aiming for a fifth straight win on Saturday.