Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger yesterday revealed Thomas Vermaelen would be sidelined for another month.

Key defender Vermaelen has been missing since August with a troublesome Achilles injury that was initially thought to have ruled him out for a matter of days.

Wenger confirmed two weeks ago the Belgium international would return in January but has now decided to delay his comeback until the end of that month.

“I would rather say late January,” said Wenger, whose side have struggled defensively in Vermaelen’s absence.

“He is short on fitness and we have to build it up. That will take three to four weeks.

“He has started now and the signs are good. But I have been hit so many times with backlash that I am very cautious with Vermaelen.”

There was better news on the recovery of Kieran Gibbs, who has been out for two weeks with an ankle problem.

“Gibbs should be available at the beginning of January,” Wenger said.