Thomas Vermaelen to end 623-day La Liga Barcelona exile to return for crunch Valencia clash after Javier Mascherano injury
Injuries and a loan spell have hampered Belgian in Spain
THOMAS VERMAELEN is set to end his 632-day La Liga exile by starting the crunch top-of-the-table clash with Valencia.
The injury-plagued Belgian has not featured in the Spanish top flight since a 6-0 victory against Getafe on March 12, 2016.
However — ironically — he is set to take advantage of Javier Mascherano's spell on the treatment table as well as a suspension for Gerard Pique to start at the Mestalla.
The Belgian, 32, spent last season on loan at Roma, injuries restricted him to just 12 appearances all season.
He was expected to be sold permanently on his return once Ernesto Valverde replaced Luis Enrique in the dug-out.
But the former Athletic Bilbao boss opted to retain the Vermaelen for his experience.
And it could prove to be a shrewd move given the importance of next week's fixture.
Valencia are just four points behind Barcelona in second place and a victory for Catalans would see them put one hand on the trophy — even at this early stage in the season.
YOU'RE BAR-RED Barcelona face threat of Spanish FA closing down the Nou Camp if there are proven reports of anti-Spain chants
Vermaelen moved to the Nou Camp in 2014 and despite on playing 63 minutes in the entire campaign, he was part of a side which won the Treble in his first season.
The following year saw an improvement on an individual level, as he feature in 20 matches in all competitions — including a late appearance in the Fifa Club World Cup final.
most read in football
His time in Rome was hampered by injury, while was also sent off during the Champions League play-off against Porto which the Giallorossi lost.
Vermaelen's only appearance for Barcelona this season was in the 3-0 Copa del Rey victory over Murcia.
He has, however, featured in recent friendlies for Belgium.