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Thomas Vermaelen will miss Arsenal’s pre-season trip to Asia - and is struggling to be fit for the start of the season.

Vermaelen, 27, aggravated a long-standing problem while on international duty last month and it is believed he may have cracked a bone in his lower back.

Belgian defender Vermaelen has been having ongoing treatment with massage and also attention to a thigh muscle injury which is likely to be back related.

Arsenal have been in contact with the Belgian FA but their hope he would be fit to fly with the rest of the squad on Thursday has been dashed after he reported back injured.

It is a hammer blow for Arsenal captain Vermaelen who lost his place at the end of last season and his whole Arsenal future was plunged into doubt.

(Image: Getty)

Vermaelen is keen to stay and fight for his place especially as his partner Polly Parsons who is due to give birth soon.

But this injury has also set back his hope of winning back his place, joining up for pre-season and getting ready for the big kick-off next month.

It also means that Arsenal are unlikely to sell a player who is carrying a back injury and so it seems certain that Vermaelen will not leave this summer.

Arsenal have already given permission to Spanish duo Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal to report up late after the Confederations Cup.

They could also be struggling to be ready for the start of the season as in previous years Arsene Wenger has insisted on players being given four clear weeks of rest ahead of the new campaign.

(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

But Arsenal are taking Jack Wilshere to the Far East and the England midfielder’s return to fitness is a huge boost for Arsenal .

Arsenal remain keen to strengthen their squad but they are running out of time to complete a deal for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain before they depart for their pre-season.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez yesterday laughably claimed Arsenal had not made any contact or bid for Higuain .

Arsenal are understood to be about £2m short of Real Madrid’s valuation but Higuain is keen to come and has discussed personal terms, the Spanish club having already circulated his name among clubs as being available for transfer.