Barcelona’s summer signing Thomas Vermaelen has been declared fit to play and manager Luis Enrique insists that it is great news for the club as they approach the final few games of the season.
Vermaelen arrived at the Camp Nou from Premier League giants Arsenal at the start of the current season, but his long-term injury has meant that he is yet to make his first team debut for the Catalan outfit.
After a long rehabilitation process following his surgery last year, the Belgium international has been declared fit and could make his Barcelona debut before the season comes to a close.
And Enrique insists that Vermaelen’s return to full fitness bodes well for his team as they prepare to face Getafe in La Liga tonight.
“It’s great news”, the Asturian was quoted as saying at a pre-match press conference by AS.
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“He arrived injured and has overcome his physical problems with hard work from everyone, particularly him.”
Barcelona have coped well in the absence of the Belgian, with La Masia graduate Marc Bartra and summer signing Jeremy Mathieu contributing significantly whenever they have been called upon by the manager.
And Enrique feels that Vermaelen could prove to be another handy option for Barcelona.
“He’ll fight for a place, he’s got competition for his position and no doubt he’ll help us.”
On being asked if the 29-year-old’s return would unsettle Martin Motoya and Bartra, the manager replied that team selection is his prerogative.
“His team-mates welcomed him with a huge round of applause.
“The problem is mine, not the players.”
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