Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen made a successful playing return in their Carling Cup win over Bolton Wanderers.

The Belgium international has been out with an Achilles injury but started at the Emirates Stadium, playing 84 minutes before coming off with a "tight calf".

"He did very well but he had to come off for a calf problem," Wenger said. "I hope it is not too bad.

"He will be a bit short for Saturday. I do not know yet what has happened.

"We will have to test him tomorrow but it did not look too bad.

"He has been out for a long time and only had one training session yesterday with the team.

"I didn't expect a game of that intensity because it was a really tough game for a centre-back tonight as they put us under pressure in the second half."

He added: "I don't think it is a calf strain, I think it is just a tight calf because he has not played 90 minutes for three months.

"He wanted to come off. In fairness, I did not want to take him off because I thought it was stupid now with four minutes to go in case we concede a goal.

"He was adamant he could not go on so I hope it is not too bad."