Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta missed the majority of the 2014/15 season through various problems with both his calf and ankle, the latter needing surgical repair. However, after an entire season to rehabilitate, Arteta appears to be fully fit once again and has appeared twice so far for the Gunners off the bench (with an additional appearance in the Community Shield). Speaking with Arsenal Player about his time away from the team, Arteta explained some of the difficulties of being away from the team for extended periods.
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 every day 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, they have different times to you and you don’t spend much time with them. Personally I don’t feel productive.
Even while his rehabilitation consumed his entire season last year after November, the 33-year old midfielder attempted to contribute to the team through his attitude and by advising some of the younger players.
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.
Coming off the bench can be difficult for players used to starting, as the pace of the game can be difficult to acclimate to after a long period of rest, so Arteta explained how he approaches him time off the pitch during games, not knowing precisely how or when he might be called upon.
I just watch the game and things come to my head naturally – things that I believe we can do better or things we are having trouble with, weaknesses of the other team or if we are having a few problems.
You are excited but nervous as you don’t know when you are going to get thrown in. When you get thrown in you want to be ready for it with a good warm-up and ready to make an impact to help the team achieve the win.
The captain may have another opportunity to impact a game this weekend when Arsenal head to the Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke City.
