Barcelona’s Thomas Vermaelen may need surgery to resolve knee problem

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/24/thomas-vermaelen-barcelona-surgery-thigh-injury

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The Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen may need an operation to cure his thigh injury.

The Belgium centre-back is still waiting to make his debut after joining from Arsenal for £15m in the close season and his signing is turning into something of an embarrassment.

“We don’t know if Vermaelen is now going to need surgery, we are studying the situation,” Barça’s sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, said, before Tuesday’s Champions League match at Apoel Nicosia. “We are worried for him and the medical staff are evaluating what is best.” The 29-year-old sustained the injury playing against Russia at the World Cup in June.

Pressure is building on the Barça president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, and Zubizarreta over the club’s transfer strategy, with many fans also critical of the £15.8m spent on the defender Jérémy Mathieu, 31. The two senior figures were whistled by unhappy supporters during the 5-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday.

“I accept the reaction in the best way possible. Barça are always the focus of attention and even more so when there are questions being asked,” said Zubizarreta.