Vermaelen injury less serious than feared

Vermaelen is likely to miss Sunday's match with United (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal's worst fears over Thomas Vermaelen have been allayed after it was revealed he has not broken his leg.

Arsene Wenger voiced his concern last night that Vermaelen had broken a bone during the goalless draw with Aston Villa, but a scan this afternoon failed to uncover any fracture.

However, the injury still threatens the Belgium defender's participation in Sunday's Barclays Premier League title showdown with Manchester United.

Eduardo will definitely be sidelined against the champions after suffering a hamstring injury at Villa Park but should be available for Chelsea seven days later.

"There is no fracture in Thomas' leg but his injury still has to be assessed," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"There is still a good chance he will not play on Sunday.

"Eduardo has a small, small, small hamstring problem. He will be out for one week. He will not make Man United but he might make Chelsea."

Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are likely to feature against United after returning from African Nations Cup duty.

"Eboue and Song have been in this morning. Eboue has been running outside," said Wenger.

"They are both in good shape, tired but in good shape. Both of them are available for Sunday."