Tuesday, 15th October, 2013
Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen has expressed his happiness at being set to play first team football once again, even if it is only for Belgium and not at club side Arsenal.
Vermaelen has slipped behind Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the Emirates Stadium and has been forced to kick his heels on the bench. The Belgian insists he will not "panic" however.
The Gunners defender is set to get the nod to play for Belgium against Wales in a World Cup qualifier this evening and he hopes it will allow him to once again find his natural rhythm.
"I am very happy that I can play once again because I miss my natural rhythm", he told Het Laatste Nieuws.
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"In training I feel good and I have faith in my current form. But playing games is something else of course."
Indeed, Vermaelen well admits that his status at Arsenal is not the ideal situation by any stretch of the imagination.
"But I am not worried about my current situation at Arsenal", he insisted. "Everything can change so quickly in football. It is taking a long time, but I am not panicking.
"I also realise that sitting on the bench at Arsenal is not the ideal way to prepare for a World Cup. I've spoken to Arsenal Wenger, but I've been given no guarantees.
"So now I am waiting and doing my best in training. But the team are playing well and it is hard to get back into it."
Vermaelen is expected to captain Belgium against Wales this evening.
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