Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is confident teammate Thomas Vermaelen can handle Chelsea ace Didier Drogba this weekend.

Although the Belgium international is only 5ft 11in, Almunia insists Vermaelen has the physical power to stifle Drogba and continue his impressive form for Arsenal.

The Spaniard told the London Evening Standard: "Thomas has shown he can cope with any striker in Europe.

"Mentally, he is so strong and physically he is bigger than his size. With William Gallas next to him he is doing so well and I have no doubts about their performances against anyone including Drogba.

"Drogba likes to play against Arsenal but Thomas can match him. He has scored many goals against us but I only keep good memories in my mind and we have only to think about good memories playing against them like when we beat them at Stamford Bridge last season."