Thomas Vermaelen may need surgery

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has conceded that Thomas Vermaelen may require an operation before he is able to make his debut for the club.

The Belgium international arrived at the Camp Nou from Arsenal for £15m during the summer, but a thigh complaint has prevented him from turning out for the Catalan outfit.

It was recently confirmed that the defender had also suffered a hamstring injury and with both problems in mind, Zubizarreta has revealed that the club has considered surgery as a viable option.

"We are worried for him and the medical staff are evaluating what's best. We don't know if Vermaelen is now going to need surgery. We are studying the situation," BBC Sport quotes the official as saying.

Vermaelen, 29, has not played a competitive fixture since the World Cup group stages.