Wojciech Szczesny is “hungrier than ever” after recovering from two broken arms.
On Monday, the young goalkeeper made his first reserve-team appearance since October 6, keeping a clean sheet in Arsenal’s goalless draw at Chelsea.
Despite now feeling physically fit after his unfortunate training ground accident late last year, the 18-year-old admits that he needs to play games if he is to return to his best.
“Oh yes, I am hungrier than ever,” the Polish keeper told Arsenal.com. “But I do need games and I don’t feel too comfortable yet.
“I thought I did ok against Chelsea but I can’t quite feel the distance between me and my defenders. It will take some time to get back because I was out for quite a long time but hopefully I’ll get there.
“It was quite an annoying time for me. It was an accident at the training ground and I broke both arms in the gym. I am very happy now to be over it and I am looking forward to playing some games and doing well.
“There was nothing I could do once I got injured. I knew I would be working hard on my lower body in the gym and it has paid off because I feel very strong now.”
Wojciech is one of four goalkeepers to have appeared between the sticks for Neil Banfield’s second-string this season. But, far from being put off by the competition for places, the Warsaw-born man is relishing the fight.
“I love the challenge, and I think everyone at the Club feels the same,” he said. “I am looking forward to pushing the first-team goalkeepers and hopefully next season I will be fighting for a place.
“I think we will be rotating in the reserves. I am just looking forward to playing any games. If Vito [Mannone] is chosen over me then I have to understand it because he is the Club’s third-choice keeper so they need to keep him on his toes and ready to play.
“I am happy to rotate.”