Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy admits that recovering from two potentially career threatening injuries in one season has been tough for him.
The Frenchman has suffered a torrid time with injuries since his move from Newcastle United to Arsenal last summer.
Debuchy started the season as Arsenal’s first-choice full-back and impressed with his performances on the right flank but as he was growing into his Gunners shirt, he damaged his ankle ligaments in a 2-2 daw against Manchester City in September.
The surgery was followed by an arduous road to recovery but the 29-year-old made a quick return to action in a Champions League group game against Galatasaray in December.
However, tragedy struck again when he dislocated his shoulder against Stoke City in January and had to undergo surgery again, which led to another three months of recuperation.
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The Frenchman played the full 120 minutes in Arsenal’s FA Cup semi-final triumph against Reading on Saturday and Debuchy said that there is a sense of relief at being back on the pitch.
However, he admits that recovering from two strenuous surgeries in one season has been tough but stressed that he is keen to focus on the road ahead and is ready to help the Gunners finish the season on a high.
“I’m so happy because it’s so important to be back on the pitch”, Debuchy told the club’s official website.
“It was hard for me after my second surgery this year but now it’s behind me and I’m so happy to play for Arsenal.
“It’s been difficult for me. Two surgeries in the same season is difficult but now I’m okay and I want to play a lot.
“I want to help the team and I am focused on the end of the season.”
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