Barca's Thomas Vermaelen relishing return to fitness ahead of Club World Cup

With only six appearances in all competitions after joining the Catalans from Arsenal ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is excited to be fit for the upcoming Club World Cup in Japan.

Struggling to find a regular spot in Luis Enrique's side after a slew of injury setbacks, the Belgian international is relishing the opportunity to feature in the tournament of continental winners next month.

Enrique has typically opted for a centre-back tandem of Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano, though the Club World Cup may give him an opportunity to give run-outs to Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu.

"Of course, last year was a bit disappointing with the injury I had but I had a good preseason," he told Reuters Television, courtesy of Sky Sports. "So I feel good at the moment and I have no problems."

Two brushes with thigh muscle strains sidelined Vermaelen for 176 and 60 days last season, while a calf injury has shelved the 30-year-old for 38 days, missing nine matches for the Catalan giants.

"I'm very honoured to be part of this team of course," Vermaelen added. "We're playing well at the moment I think and to go to the Club World Cup for me will be something new.

"I know some of the players have the experience but for me it's something new, so something I look forward to and I'm very excited of course."