Vermaelen set to make Arsenal return

Thomas Vermaelen could feature for Arsenal in tomorrow’s clash at Sunderland after being sidelined since the summer with a back injury.

The Gunners skipper, whose last appearance for the club was in May, has been taking part in full training.

“Vermaelen is very close to being available and he could be in the squad tomorrow,” said manager Arsene Wenger. “It is more likely to be Wednesday [in the Champions League match at Marseille].”

With Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) out injured, £42.4million signing Mesut Ozil is set to make his Arsenal debut tomorrow. Yaya Sanogo misses out with a back problem sustained on France Under-21 duty.