Arsene Wenger has insisted that Thomas Vermaelen is ready to take his chance to impress in the centre of Arsenal's defence.

Vermaelen has often been left frustrated this season due to the impressive partnership between Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, but the latter's calf injury means that the Belgian will be given the opportunity to find form over the next couple of weeks.

"We know Thomas has paid a heavy price for having Laurent and Per, who worked well together," Wenger told the club's official website.

"But he has an opportunity to show how good he is and I'm sure he will take it."

Vermaelen is likely to start alongside Mertesacker when Arsenal host Manchester City on Saturday.