Injuries have prevented the Belgium international from making a single appearance for the Catalan club since arriving at Camp Nou from Arsenal last summer in a €19 million move.
Vermaelen's latest setback came in November when he was forced to undergo surgery on a hamstring problem.
The versatile centre-half is back working with the first team, though, and the coach believes that his involvement with the main group will be a huge boost to the Blaugrana's treble bid.
However, Luis Enrique hinted that Vermaelen might be restricted from supporting his colleagues from the bench rather than in defence.
"His return is very good news," the Barca coach told reporters. "He arrived injured but he got over his physical problems with hard work on the part of everyone, but especially him.
"He will add to our options and will certainly will help us. We'll see whether from on the field or off it."
Barca beat Espanyol 2-0 on Saturday to ensure they remain two points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga and Luis Enrique is of the opinion that the Catalans must win all of their remaining matches to keep Los Blancos at bay, starting with Tuesday's visit of Getafe.
"Real Madrid are very close and we have to keep winning games," the former Spain international stated. "We depend on us; we have to do things very well against Getafe because they will give us some difficulties.
"The reality is that there is little difference between the first and the second in the table. We will try to control the game against Getafe, throughout the season there are many surprises, the key game to win the league title is tomorrow."
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