Thomas Vermaelen has claimed that his recent run in the Barcelona team has proved that he is 'not made of glass'.

Vermaelen has taken advantage of fellow centre-back Samuel Umtiti's injury to start Barcelona's last six matches in all competitions.

The former Arsenal defender only made 10 La Liga appearances in the whole of last season after struggling for fitness, but the 32-year-old has revealed that he is "very happy" to now be considered a starter for the Spanish giants.

"I've overcome the reputation of being a player made of glass," Vermaelen told Mundo Deportivo. "I'm very happy. I had to be very patient because it was very difficult at the start.

"You know that when you sign for Barcelona, the competition is very strong and it's not easy in a team with so many stars. I made sure I stayed patient and worked hard when I wasn't at my best physically.

"I just focused on my objectives, didn't open my mouth and battled to be ready for when the opportunity presented itself. Luckily, it arrived a few weeks ago."

Barcelona - top of La Liga by nine points from second-placed Atletico Madrid - will return to action following the winter break with a clash against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey on January 4.