Thomas Vermaelen focused on World Cup

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has insisted that he is focused on playing for Belgium at the World Cup and will not worry about his future with the Gunners until after the tournament.

The 28-year-old, who is Arsenal's club captain, has made just 21 appearances this season as Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny established themselves as the preferred pairing in central defence.

Vermaelen has insisted that he is not worried about his lack of football ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.

"I've a lot of experience of sitting on the bench then coming back so I'm not worried about being match fit," he told The Sun. "There is still plenty of preparation time for the World Cup and I will have the chance to play in a few friendly games before the tournament starts.

"A lot of people are talking about this Belgian team and wondering how we will do in Brazil. We are stepping into unknown territory. Only one player in our squad has experience of it.

"For the rest of us, it will be the first time and we go there with ambition. I am not thinking beyond that. Next season is the future and we will see about that."

Vermaelen was an unused substitute in Arsenal's FA Cup final win against Hull City on Saturday.