Barcelona have announced that summer signing Thomas Vermaelen is available for first-team selection after regaining full fitness.
- Tomas: Forwards fail as Catalans draw Malaga blank
Vermaelen, 28, joined the Liga giants from Arsenal this summer for around 15 million pounds, but has yet to make his full debut after picking up a hamstring injury playing for Belgium at the World Cup.
The defender played 63 minutes of Barca B's friendly against Indonesia under-19s on Wednesday and scored the first goal in the 6-0 win, with Luis Suarez also bagging a brace.
Thomas Vermaelen has fully recovered from his hamstring injury and is available for selection http://t.co/zLwjO4BLSB pic.twitter.com/oOKdlQHIV9
- FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 25, 2014
Vermaelen's recovery will be a relief to coach Luis Enrique given that defenders Rafinha and Jordi Alba were forced to complete activities separate from full training on Thursday morning.
Fellow new recruit Douglas also has a fever after making his debut for the Blaugrana in the 0-0 stalemate with Malaga on Wednesday, a result that leaves Enrique's side top of the league on goal difference with 13 points from their opening five games.
First minutes in a Barcelona shirt pic.twitter.com/GJDI6ZPIq8
- Thomas Vermaelen (@thomasvermaelen) September 25, 2014