Vermaelen set for action

Thomas Vermaelen is set to make his long-awaited return from injury with Arsenal's reserves on Thursday.

The Belgian has been sidelined for nearly eight months with an Achilles injury that has refused to go away.

Vermaelen has seen his season ruined by the problem but he is now set to make an expected return against Manchester United's second-string.

The 25-year-old could even make a return to the first-team before the end of the season, should he come through the game without any major problems.

Vermaelen had an excellent debut campaign with the Gunners last season but his injury problems have seen him feature just three times for Arsenal this term.