Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is worried that his lack of playing time for the Gunners this season could jeopardise his place in the Belgium squad for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
So far this season Vermaelen has only played 10 minutes for Arsenal with both Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny being the preferred starters.
Even though the club captain is not concerned about his late season start due to a back injury he would like to have a regular starting role to help ensure that he will be selected to play for Belgium in the World Cup.
Hinting that he may well have to look for a move away from the Emirates to get more playing time Vermaelen said to the Daily Mail.
“I’ll have to think about that when it’s necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that’s for sure.”
“People ask me if I panic because I’m not playing a lot but I’m not.
“I have spoken to the manager but it will remain private between us. Things can happen in a split second and change my situation. That can happen tomorrow or next weekend.
“In that case, we will speak differently in January. I have to be ready for that.”
