Catalans stand by crocked centre-back having never played.
Barcelona have stood by flop new signing Thomas Vermaelen by insisting that he IS a good signing despite injury ruling him out of the majority of his first season with the club, the Daily Mirror reports.
SEE MORE
Five Things We’ve Learnt From This Weekend’s Premier League Action: Chelsea’s Path To The Title Not Certain
Chelsea Not Scared of Facing Tottenham Without Diego Costa Claims Blues Star
The Three Players Who Should be Nominated For 2014 Ballon d’Or: Messi, Ronaldo & Controversial Third Pick
The Belgian international has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club since signing from Arsenal over the summer in a £15m deal, and an operation on a niggling thigh injury this week has seemingly ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizaretta said: “In principle, Vermaelen’s recovery should be three months after the operation. It’s not a disappointment, it’s more of a life matter.
“We knew he would arrive injured, so we had a conservative process in place for him.
“It was perfect. He had a small tear and it was best to operate on him. He’ll perform for us immediately.
“The day he plays, he will fulfil what I said about him. He doesn’t need to adapt, he’s already used to performing under pressure.
“I didn’t think he was going to play immediately. We both thought he would sooner, but he suffered a relapse.
“Give him time and confidence. In his position, we have very good players who are ready to compete in his position.”
SEE ALSO: Best young football players in the world!