Sagna nearing Arsenal return

The France international suffered a fractured leg against Norwich in May, the second such injury in the space of a year and one which ruled him out of Euro 2012.

"When you have such a big injury once, you take it, but twice is hard. In my mind I was a bit sad, but the next day I was ready for the challenge, which was to come back stronger and I am in a good way today," Sagna told Arsenal Player.

"I spent some time in the rehab centre, then I came back and worked really hard with the fitness coach and the physios to be ready to play - and finally I have.

"I don't have any target - my only aim is to be ready and bring what I can to my team, to give 100%, like always."

Most of Arsene Wenger's first-team squad will be away on international duty this week, although defender Kieran Gibbs pulled out of the England squad after suffering a minor thigh problem in the win at West Ham.

Right-back Carl Jenkinson has proved an able deputy in Sagna's absence, so much so he was close to a call-up by England manager Roy Hodgson for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland.

"He has been really good, and has learned a lot," Sagna said. "He is a bit more confident with the ball, and is very solid as a defender."

Arsenal recovered from the disappointment of a home defeat by Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea to go into the international break on the back of a battling 3-1 win at West Ham which leaves them in touch with the chasing pack.

Sagna, who has yet to agree a contract extension, said: "We have been solid. I think we can win the league - we have to take it step by step, but we have the quality necessary to play until the end of the season and win."

Source: PA

Source: PA