Thomas Vermaelen to undergo surgery, season in doubt

Barcelona have revealed that summer signing Thomas Vermaelen is to undergo surgery to rectify a thigh problem, which could see him ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The 29-year-old arrived at the Camp Nou from Arsenal earlier this year for a fee of £15m, but due to an injury picked up at the World Cup he has yet to make his Barca bow.

An operation is now required to rectify the problem, as hinted by sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta earlier this week, with Vermaelen expected to miss up to six months of action.

"First team footballer Thomas Vermaelen will undergo surgery on his right semitendinosus muscle by doctor Sakari Orava next Tuesday in Finland," a club statement read. "The estimated recovery time is 4 to 6 months."

Vermaelen started his career at Ajax, before spending five years at Arsenal.