Arsenal Captain hints at need to move for World Cup place

Thomas Vermaelen

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has hinted that he may have to leave the club, in order to pursue his dream of playing for Belgium in next year’s World Cup. Friday’s victory over Croatia ensured qualification, and Vermaelen’s attention is now turning to Rio. The defender has been out of the Arsenal side of late, following a pre-season injury, and told the Daily Mail that such lack of game time could impact on his place in the national side.

“I’ll have to think about that when it’s necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that’s for sure.

‘People ask me if I panic because I’m not playing a lot but I’m not. I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us. Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend.

‘In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that.”

The main loser of Arsenal’s good form, the captain has been unable to regain his place in the side due to the good form of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, having been dropped from the side at the end of last season.

He also faces a battle to get ahead of Jan Vertonghen, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Van Buyten in the national side, although he is currently benefitting from the dearth of talent at left back that is causing Vertonghen to fill in there.

Whilst the centre back insists he is not panicking, he may have to reassess if his Arsenal exile, and international teammates good form, continues in to the New Year.