Vermaelen has been sidelined for virtually the entire campaign due to an Achilles problem but he is nearing a return to full fitness. And it emerged earlier this week that the Belgian centre-back was in contention to play for the reserves on Thursday night. Wenger has now confirmed that Vermaelen will feature for the second string against Manchester United's reserves at Old Trafford, but has ruled out any chance of the 25-year-old playing in Sunday's Premier League match between the senior sides. Midfielder Diaby is also unavailable after failing to shake off a calf strain, but Wenger has no other major injury worries. "Vermaelen will play tonight for the reserves but he will not play against Man United," Wenger said at his pre-match press conference. "Diaby is still out and everybody else is basically available." Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
