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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that captain Thomas Vermaelen will miss the start of the season.

The Belgian defender aggravated a back problem on the club's tour of Asia and is likely to be out for a further six weeks, said the Gunners boss.

Wenger did, though, reveal left-back Nacho Monreal could return sooner than though and will start training on Monday

"Vermaelen is out for six more weeks, Monreal will start training on Monday," Wenger told reporters ahead of the Emirates Cup this weekend.

Wenger had already confirmed that Vermaelen would

Arsenal will take on Napoli on Saturday in the Emirates Cup - and face Gonzalo Higuain

"The tour (of Asia) was quite intense. Our games in Japan were difficult physically," Wenger added.

"The good news is that everybody is quite fit. During this weekend you will see Sanogo and Cazorla. I consider Wilshere to be completely available."