Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has declared that he will "give everything" to regain his place in Arsene Wenger's starting XI.

Vermaelen has been left out of Arsenal's last two matches, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny preferred in central defence.

Arsene Wenger's side have kept back-to-back clean sheets in those games, away to Bayern Munich and Swansea City respectively.

The Belgian international does not think there is cause for concern with his omission from the side and has vowed to force his way back into the team quickly.

He told the club's official matchday programme: "It's just something that happens in football, especially when you play for a big club.

"I always want to play, of course, but the boss has big decisions to make and puts the team on the pitch that he thinks will win the game. It worked on both of those occasions, and each time I was delighted that we won.

"I'm fighting to win my place back, and nothing will change my mentality or the way I work, I will give everything every day, as I have throughout my career. I've played many games in my career, and spending two on the bench does not mean the world is on fire. You can't be surprised by these things, the only thing to do is keep going and make sure you come back strongly."

The 27-year-old has been a regualr feature for the Gunners since joining from Ajax in 2009.