Thomas Vermaelen gets all clear nine months after joining Barcelona

The Belgium international joined the Catalans in early August last year but has been unable to make his debut after picking up an injury at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

But after training sessions during the week and then another on Sunday morning, he finally got the all-clear from club doctors and is now available for selection just short of nine months after making the move to La Liga.

"Five months after injuring his right leg, FC Barcelona's Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has received medical clearance," Barcelona said on their website.

"He underwent surgery back in December and will now be fully available for Luis Enrique in the home stretch of the season. Vermaelen was given the medical all-clear following Sunday morning's workout at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper."

Vermaelen sustained the injury before he signed for Barca from Arsenal, prompting some to question why the club completed the deal to sign the 29-year-old.

Barcelona host Getafe on Tuesday at 7.00pm BST and then go on the road to face Cordoba on Saturday at 3pm.