Thomas Vermaelen confirms fitness

Captain Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that he will be fit for Arsenal's home encounter against Liverpool this evening.

The centre-back was forced to sit out Saturday's 3-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup because of an ankle injury that he suffered during last week's 5-1 triumph over West Ham United.

"The injury I picked up against West Ham meant I had to miss the Brighton trip. It's nothing serious and I trained at the start of this week, so should be available for selection this evening," he wrote in the club's matchday programme.

"It was something that I've had before - a little irritation of the joint in my left ankle. Sometimes these things flare up when you make certain movements in a game and I landed on it badly when going to clear the ball from Carlton Cole.

"I tried to play on and it didn't feel too bad, but I couldn't run or jump to my full ability so at 5-1 it was better to come off and not take risks."

The 27-year-old has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season.