Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is carrying an ankle injury.

The Daily Mail says Vermaelen has had an anti-inflammatory injection in the hope of avoiding ankle surgery. It is Vermaelen's second ankle injection this season.

He missed Saturday's 1-0 win at Sunderland, but will return to light training this week.

Vermaelen is now facing a race against time to be fit enough for the Champions League second-round clash with Bayern Munich on February 19.