Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen sidelined for four months

Barcelona have confirmed that defender Thomas Vermaelen will be sidelined for four months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

The Belgian international joined Barca from Arsenal over the summer, but fitness problems have prevented him from making his competitive debut for the La Liga side.

The 29-year-old is now expected to be out of action until around March.

"Thomas Vermaelen successfully underwent surgery on Wednesday on the semitendinosus muscle in his right hamstring," read a statement on the club's official website. "The recovery period is estimated at approximately four months."

Barca are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Huesca in the Copa del Rey.