Barca's Thomas Vermaelen set to undergo surgery, faces long layoff
Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is set for a five-month spell on the sidelines after the club announced he is to undergo surgery.
The 29-year-old has not played since Belgium's meeting with Russia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where he sustained an injury.
Vermaelen is now set for surgery on his right semitendinosus muscle by Dr. Sakari Orava next Tuesday in Finland.
Orava has 40 years of experience working with top-class athletes and has operated on players including Marco van Basten, Didier Deschamps, Josep Guardiola and Jonathan Woodgate.
Former Arsenal captain Vermaelen left north London to join Barcelona in a £15m transfer this summer.
"First team footballer Thomas Vermaelen will undergo surgery on his right semitendinosus muscle by doctor Sakari Orava next Tuesday in Finland," a statement on Barcelona's official website read. "The estimated recovery time is 4 to 6 months."
