Arsenal star reveals he's now fully fit after lengthy injury

Mikel Arteta is thrilled to be back in contention for Arsenal

ARSENAL captain Mikel Arteta has revealed he is fully fit after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

 

The Spaniard was limited to just 12 outings last term with a calf problem, followed by ankle surgery at the turn of the year.

And while the 33-year-old midfielder is thrilled to be back in contention for the Gunners, he has spoken of his struggle to gain full fitness.

Arteta, who has made three appearances from off the bench this season, said: "I really missed it [when I was out].

 

"I had a really tough period last year after my last game in November and I went through some really difficult moments with my surgery.

"For me it is the frustration [that is the hardest thing] because there is always pain and you are trying to get back everyday and you spend a lot of time doing rehabilitation.

"When the players go outside for a training session, you feel wasted. They come back, they travel and they have different times to you. Personally I don’t feel productive.

 

"I'm here because I want to play games, make this team more successful and be a part of it. 

"When I’m not able to do that I still have to contribute, be positive, be good around the other players, give advice and try to help my team-mates. But it is not the same.

"But I worked really hard and tried to stay positive, do my best and here I am again now, earning my place in the squad and ready to help the team."