"Arsenal" captain T. Vermaelen dropped out of the lineup for three months © EuroFootball.com

London's "Arsenal" team suffered a painful loss - center-back Thomas Vermaelen dropped out of the lineup for about three months.

The captain of the "Gunners" is currently with the team in Asia, preparing for the new season. Prior to a friendly match, the Belgian player suffered a back injury.

Initially, coach Arsene Wenger thought that the defender would only miss a few matches at the beginning of the new season, but after examinations, it was revealed that the footballer would be forced to sit out until mid-October.

T. Vermaelen formed a center-back duo with Laurent Koscielny, but most likely the captain's position will be taken by German Per Mertesacker.

The London team does not intend to take risks and this summer will try to attract a new central defender. According to reports, their main target is "Swansea" player Ashley Williams.