The defender is finally available to make his first
appearance for the Catalan giants after battling a thigh
problem since his transfer from Arsenal last summer
Thomas Vermaelen has been cleared by medical staff to
make his long-awaited Barcelona debut.
The former Arsenal captain has yet to play a competitive
game for the club since his summer transfer, having
battled a long-standing injury to his right hamstring.
The 29-year-old could now be set to play a part in the
season run-in as Barca chase down a treble of Primera
Division, Copa del Rey and Champions League glory.
"Five months after the injuring his right leg, Barcelona's
Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has received
medical clearance. He underwent surgery back in
December and will now be fully available for Luis Enrique
in the home stretch of the season," the club confirmed
on their official website.
"He was given the medical all-clear following Sunday
morning's workout at the Ciutat Esportiva."
Vermaelen could return to action as early as Tuesday
when Barcelona host Getafe at Camp Nou.