BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona says defender Thomas Vermaelen has recovered from a right leg injury that has kept him from debuting with his new club since transferring from Arsenal.
Vermaelen has been sidelined since hurting a leg muscle while playing for Belgium in the World Cup, missing Barcelona’s first six matches of the season.
Barcelona spent 19 million euros ($25.4 million) to acquire Vermaelen this off-season despite his limited appearances for Arsenal last season due to injuries.
Barcelona hosts Granada on Saturday, when it will look to maintain its lead of the Spanish league on goal difference over Sevilla.
Barcelona also said that right back Douglas, who made his debut in a 0-0 draw at Malaga on Wednesday, has flulike symptoms and didn’t train with the team on Thursday.