Thomas Vermaelen: Returns From Calf Injury

Vermaelen has recovered from the calf injury he suffered in earlier this month and will be available for selection when Arsenal plays Stoke City on Saturday, the Gunners' official team website reports.

Analysis:

Vermaelen has played sparingly this season in light of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker combining to form one of the league's best pairings in central defense. However, with full-backs Kieran Gibbs (hamstring) and Nacho Monreal (foot) both doubts for Saturday, Vermaelen may be handed a starting birth at left-back. While that's a possibility, when considering the Belgian's time away, it wouldn't be surprising if Mathieu Flamini is ultimately preferred to fill the void in defense.