Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed the recovery of Thomas Vermaelen is the key to Arsenal’s plans during the January transfer window.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of tonight’s Manchester City game at the Emirates, the Frenchman revealed the Belgium International is about to resume training and how the next two weeks will determine when he will be able to feature for the Gunners again this season.

Asked about Bolton’s Gary Cahill as a possible new signing, the Arsenal boss answered by saying no names will be given adding how if the 25-year old doesn’t improve then a new centre back could be indeed signed by the Gunners.

Following the injury of the former Ajax centre back, Wenger has rotated Johan Djourou, Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Squillaci at the heart of the defensive department with midfielder Alex Song a possible option in case of an emergency situation.

On Vermaelen, Wenger said:

Thomas is just on the fringe of getting back on the pitch again. The next ten days to two weeks will be an important test for him and hopefully he can get through well. We will see.

At the moment everyone at the Club looks positive but I will have to make a decision before the end of January. I wouldn’t like to give you a name. But if Thomas doesn’t improve we will have to look at [the whole situation].