Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has played down his latest injury after limping off the field during the Gunners' 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Bolton last night.

The match was the Belgian international's first start for Arsenal for two months after receiving treatment on his Achilles tendon in September.

"I had a small cramp at the end," Vermaelen insisted.

"Nothing serious. Just went out as a precaution."

Arsenal came from behind at the Emirates, with goals from Park Chu-Young and Andrey Arshavin securing a place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.