With the European World Cup qualifiers almost finished, managers have already started warning players that only those who perform on a regular basis will make the cut for Brazil.  The first who issued such a warning is Belgium boss, Marc Wilmots who targeted three of his most reliable players during the past few international matches. De Bruyne, Dembele and Arsenal’s club captain, Thomas Vermaelen will have to look for solutions most probably during January when the transfer period starts considering none of them have a spot secured in their team’s first eleven.

Vermaelen was linked to several teams during the summer after a not so great 2012-2013 season. Even if Wenger used the Belgian international mostly for Cup matches and as a back-up, Arsenal’s defender insisted his future is with the Gunners. The rumors concerning his possible departure continued throughout the beginning of this season are now becoming more plausible than ever considering Wilmots strong position regarding his selection.

According to the Daily Mail, the problem with the players mentioned above is not skill or determination, rather than the lack of pace and agility which come with consistency provided by playing for their clubs. Wenger’s player has had a rough season start being featured in only three matches. Even if he insists his recovery for an injury which kept him sidelined in August was complete, things are very different than before. The bad news for the 28 year old is that Arsenal’s defense is currently working very well. The Gunners are first in the Premier League standings and have a great chance of making it through the next stages of the Champions League. It is very unlikely that Wenger will split his two main players as far as the defensive line goes. Mertesacker and Koscielny have shown consistency and precision in their game which may mean Vermaelen is on his way out especially if he wants to make it to Brazil. He will most likely leave on loan considering he had the chance to transfer during the summer but refused to, insisting Emirates is the right place for him.