Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has revealed he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury, but insists he will not rush his comeback.
The French centre-back was ruled out for six months with an ankle injury in May and subsequently missed the World Cup in Russia.
He has continued to remain absent heading into this season and new boss Unai Emery has not yet been able to call upon the defender.
Koscielny has provided an update on where his recovery is and has revealed it is ahead of schedule.
But Koscielny will not rush his comeback and only wants to return when he is 100 per cent and can fully focus on the game in which he is playing.
The centre-back wrote in Arsenal's matchday programme: "Finally, just a quick word on my recovery. It is going really well. I am training with more intensity now although I also need to rest my tendon.
"I am currently ahead of schedule in my rehabilitation which I am really pleased about.
"However, I don't want to cut corners", he stressed.
"I want to come back when I am fully ready and I can focus 100 per cent on the game I will play, more than worrying about how I would feel during or after it.
"Trust me, I can't wait to be back on the pitch but I have to be wise as well.
"Rushing my return would not be a good thing and I am happy how things are going at the moment.
"Thanks for your support."
Without Koscielny, Arsenal currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table on 12 points from their opening six games.
Emery's men next take on Watford this afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.
