Source: Daily_Mail
Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen set to play through injury in Porto
Playing through pain: Thomas Vermaelen[LNB]Thomas Vermaelen will play through the pain once more against Porto after admitting the bone jarring injury he suffered against Aston Villa last month continues to cause him problems.[LNB] It was initially feared that Vermaelen had broken his leg but scans revealed the Belgium international had suffered heavy bruising meaning he was able to play, albeit with discomfort, in the following game against Manchester United four days later. [LNB]'It turned out that I could play against Manchester United, but after that game I had some more problems, so I went for another scan,' Vermaelen said.[LNB]'We could see then that there was a big bruise on the bone, and that's all - so it is painful but that can be controlled with medicine and when it is not broken, you can't do too much wrong. It is not a big problem to play - yes it is still there and will take some time to go away, but it is not dangerous.' [LNB]Vermaelen's presence will be needed in the Estadio do Dragao tomorrow night especially as Andre Arshavin will miss the Champions League clash with a hamstring injury picked up in the win over Liverpool while Alex Song is a major doubt after suffering medial knee ligament damage.[LNB] [LNB] 'If all goes well, I will get back on the pitch as early as the next Premier League match against Sunderland (on Saturday),' Arshavin said. 'However, I will miss the next game against Porto in the Champions League.' [LNB]Vermaelen will also be required to keep Porto striker Hulk quiet. The powerful forward is expected to play his first game for the Portuguese side since December 20 after picking up a domestic suspension for allegedly attacking a steward during a fracas in the tunnel of Benfica's Estadio da Luz. [LNB]Hulk could be banned for up to three years if the Portuguese League find him guilty of the attack at a hearing scheduled for February 23. [LNB] Arsenal beware: Incredible Hulk ready to rampage for Porto in Euro showdownPremier League chiefs to consider Champions League play-off proposalCompetition: Win an Arsenal shirt signed by skipper Cesc Fabregas ARSENAL FC
