Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has begun training with the club's first team whilst continuing his recuperation from his long-term hamstring injury.
Vermaelen joined the Catalan giants at the start of the current season from Premier League outfit Arsenal, but his long-standing hamstring injury has meant that he is yet to make his debut for Luis Enrique’s first team.
The Belgium international took part in training with the first team on Wednesday as he inches closer to his Barcelona debut.
The defender’s hamstring was operated upon towards the end of last year by Dr. Sakari Orava and after recuperating for nearly four months, Vermaelen has been deemed fit to start training with the first team.
The Belgian’s absence has been offset by stellar contributions at the heart of Barcelona’s defence from his fellow summer arrival Jeremy Mathieu and assured displays from La Masia graduate Marc Bartra, whenever he has been called upon.
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Barcelona have enjoyed a stellar campaign thus far as they remain in the hunt for three trophies, having made it to the final of the Copa de Rey, the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are currently leading the race for La Liga, four points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old hopes to make his debut for Barcelona this season, though it appears likely that he will not be able to make his first appearance until next season.
Barcelona will resume their La Liga campaign on 5th April with a visit to the Balaidos to take on Celta Vigo post the international break.
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