Arsenal barometer Thomas Vermaelen says he is ready to return to first-team action after his successful return to injury on Tuesday.

The Belgium international made his long awaited return in the Gunner's 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Bolton.

A reported clean bill of health post-game for the defender gives Vermaelen the confidence to step into the Premier League's match of the round against Chelsea this Saturday.

"I feel great," Vermaelen told Arsenal's official website.

"I trained with the team and I felt good straight away so I felt confident.

"Personally I don't believe in that [needing games to regain sharpness]. If I come back from injury after a long time I don't believe in coming back and getting rhythm.

"I think it is just in your head and a mental thing - if you are a football player you have to be there straight away. That's why I wanted to play today and I think it's good.

"It was a good game for us, we fought hard and it was a deserved win for us I think."