Everything points to Thomas Vermaelen undergoing surgery this weekend in an attempt to cure the hamstring injury that has ruled him out of competitive football since Belgium's meeting with Russia at this summer's World Cup. It is all down to the defender, who has to agree to the surgery, although he knows it is the only solution to his injury woes.

Renowned surgeon, doctor Orava, considered a 'tendon whizz' will see him and assess whether surgery can cure his on-going injury. However, it will not prevent him from missing the rest of the season. If everything goes to plan, Vermaelen is expected to be sidelined for about five months, which would see him declared fit in May with only four La Liga games left to play.

Orava has been at the top of his game for 40 years, and despite being 69 years old, he is still the 'go-to guy' for many world-class athletes who want to save or lengthen their careers. He has operated mainly on footballers and athletes, although he has also treated actors, celebrities and heads of state.

Haile Gebreselassie, Frankie Fredericks, Marta Domínguez, Yago Lamela and Martín Berlanas are just some of the athletes who have gone under his knife, but he was also successful in saving the careers of players like Marco van Basten, Didier Deschamps, Pep Guardiola, Esnáider, Karanka, Woodgate and Oleguer.

"He's like a god to me. It took him ninety minutes to put the tendon in my heel right", said Marta Domínguez after her treatment.