Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen has hinted that he may need to leave the club in January to improve his chances of playing in next year's World Cup.

Belgium's Golden Generation qualified for Brazil on Friday. But since returning from injury, the defender has lost his place as one of Arsene Wenger's first choice centre-backs.

Vermaelen earned rave reviews when he first joined Arsenal but suffered a long-term Achilles injury in the 2010/2011 season.

Last summer Vermaelen was named club captain after the departure of Robin Van Persie.

The 27-year-old then had a poor 2012/13 after which Wenger created a new partnership between Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny who have proved to be a solid pairing at the back.

Vermaelen is likely to make only his second start of the season tonight when Belgium host Wales.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Arsenal's club captain said: "I'll have to think about [leaving] when it's necessary. January is still a few months ahead. Of course, never playing will not be the ideal situation for me to go to the World Cup, that's for sure."