Thomas Vermaelen has handed Barcelona a timely boost by revealing that he is two weeks away from returning to full fitness.
The former Arsenal defender has spent the first nine months of his Camp Nou career recovering from a hamstring tear, sustained while representing Belgium at last summer’s World Cup, but could finally be in line for his competitive debut.
"I’ve taken a big step forward. I’m happy to be back running,” he began in a video post on his official Facebook page.
“It’s great to be back training outdoors instead of in the gym. I want to return stronger than before.
“I want to thank the club and the medical staff for the work they have done. In two weeks I will return stronger.
“I sustained the injury at the World Cup and in the hospital in Brazil they said I would only be sidelined for 10 days.
“Barca then noticed the injury during a medical. They told me I had two options, to undergo surgery, which was not necessary, or to do specific exercises to strengthen that area.
“I opted for the latter but in the end, it didn’t work out and I underwent surgery [in November] I have followed the recovery programme set by the surgeon and everything is working well.
“I feel I have the backing of my team and of the club. I feel right at home.
“I just want to go back to playing as soon as possible. I still haven’t been able to play in an official game with Barca.”
