Laurent Koscielny has insisted that he is happy to wait for as long as it takes for his leg to fully heal before returning to action with Arsenal.
The France international was dealt a real blow earlier this month when rupturing his Achilles, ruling him out of Les Bleus' World Cup campaign in Russia.
After undergoing an operation to rectify the damage, Koscielny is unlikely to make a competitive comeback until the end of the year, but the 32-year-old is happy to bide his time as he knows his importance to the Gunners.
"When my tendon let go, I was obviously in the hole," he is quoted as saying by the London Evening Standard. "I immediately thought of the World Cup in Russia. Now I'm 32 years old my career in more behind me than be. I do not have the pressure of having to come back as soon as possible, to prove myself as a 20-year-old does after such an injury.
"Yes, I miss a World Cup, with a good bunch of pals and great players, but there is worse in life. After the operation I stayed at home in London for a fortnight completely immobilised. My programme? Television, crosswords and Nintendo. All with your leg up!
"The surgeon then removed the stitches and plaster. I am now wearing a boot, which allows me to walk on crutches. I will begin my rehabilitation in June in Saint-Raphael (a town in Southern France). These first months are crucial for the future.
"In three months, I hope to resume light jogging. In five months, I could certainly work with the ball. Then it will take one month of physical preparation with matches with the Arsenal youth team. I hope to play again in November... 'step by step', as they say in England."
Koscielny featured 33 times for Arsenal in the 2017-18 season, including 25 times in the Premier League.
Daniel Lewis
