Eberechi Eze has said that he's 'feeling ready' after making his comeback from injury. The forward returned to action as a second-half substitute in last weekend's 2-1 Premier League loss against Bournemouth, which is a major injury boost for Arsenal.
The Gunners will look to bounce back from the defeat against the Cherries when they take on Sporting CP in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. The Gunners have a 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Eze provided a fitness update ahead of the game at the Emirates Stadium: "Coming back from the little calf strain," he said. "I am feeling ready."
*FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page*
Eze was initially expected to miss up to six weeks due to the injury that saw him miss the Carabao Cup final, but made a comeback earlier than expected. He has opened up on the work he has put in to get back.
"Whenever I am injured, my aim is to come back as quick as possible," he said. "If that means working overtiming, then I am going to do it."
Arsenal have had more than their fair share of injury blows this season, with Martin Odegaard missing the defeat against Bournemouth after suffering a knock during the first leg against Sporting.
I think that is for any team, there are players who have specific roles," Eze said on both his and Odegaard's absence. "If those players are not there then the team loses something."
Eberechi Eze after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium.
Eberechi Eze returned from injury in Arsenal's Premier League clash against Bournemouth (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
On the game and potential of getting to the Champions League semi-final, the forward added: "For sure we all know the position we're in, we know what is at stake. Loads of confidence and loads of belief."
Speaking before the clash against Bournemouth about Eze's determination to make a comeback as soon as he could, Mikel Arteta admitted that he was left surprised.
"I didn't know that he was so determined, so obsessed, and so willing to push his body," he said.
"I didn't know that part of him, and it really surprised me in a really powerful way. How much he loves the game. When you take somebody's opportunity to play, you really see their reaction.
"His was, wow. How involved he was in and around the team, the energy that he brings every day in the building.
"And then we use that time as well, obviously, to identify areas where he can impact the game, get his opinion wide and open about what he sees himself, what he's more comfortable, what he sees about the team.
"And I think we used that time in a really good way."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.