Calf injury ends season for Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen

Vermaelen his impressed during his first season in England

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has been ruled out for for the rest of the season after suffering a calf injury in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.

The Belgian international hobbled off after 20 minutes at White Hart Lane and was replaced by Mikael Silvstre.

Arsenal had initially expected the 24-year-old to play again before the end of the current campaign.

But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed on Friday: "Vermaelen's season is over."

Vermaelen has missed only one league game, through suspension, since joining Arsenal from Ajax last summer.