Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that it is tough to leave out club-captain Thomas Vermaelen week-in, week-out.
The Belgium centre-back has been a back-up option since the end of last season due to the impressive partnership developing between Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.
After their North London derby day defeat last season at White Hart Lane, Vermaelen was dropped for Koscielny and from then, the centre-back pairing have become one of the best in Premier League football.
The Gunners finally look stable at the back and that is down to Koscielny and Mertesacker leading the defence well, but Wenger admits that it is still tough leaving the club-captain out of the side.
“Yes [it is tough to leave him out] because of his quality, his attitude and his influence at the club,” said Wenger.
“It is a difficult decision because he is a top-class player. He certainly suffers but he handles it with great dignity and great professionalism.”
Due to the lack of first-team action, a lot of people are claiming that the Belgium will want out of the club in January, but the Frenchman has denied that that is the case.
“No – if he wants to do that he will come and see me, which he has not done,” he added.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles
