Thomas Vermaelen gives Arsenal fitness boost

Defender Thomas Vermaelen has been passed fit to start for Arsenal in their Champions League tie with Marseille tomorrow night.

The news will come as a huge boost to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who has been without his first choice centre-half for the entirety of the season thusfar.

Vermaelen also missed the majority of Arsenal's last campaign after suffering a succession of serious injuries.

But after making a cameo appearance during their 5-3 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, the Belgian has been given the all clear to start for the Gunners at the Emirates tomorrow.

Fellow defender Carl Jenkinson may also start for the first time since he limped off in the reverse fixture two weeks ago.