By Rob Kelly
Emmanuel Frimpong says he is not rushing his return to first-team football because he wants to hit the ground running on his comeback.
The 20-year-old has made one appearance for Arsenal - as a substitute against Coventry in the Capital One Cup - since recovering from a knee injury that consigned him to seven months on the sidelines.
The combative midfielder has also played three times for the under-21s, and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Chelsea. And while he is keen to appear for the first team again, he is willing to bide his time.
“I still don't believe I am 100 per cent right - obviously I am playing but I don’t think I am ready for the first team yet,” Frimpong told Arsenal Player. “I still need two more 90-minute games [for the under-21s], then I will be fine.
“It is difficult when you play for the under-21s, because even though you’re playing for points it is still not as competitive as a first-team game. The pressure is totally different.
“But coming back from a nine-month injury, I just have to make sure that when I come back into the team, I am right and ready. I don't want to push myself if I am not ready.
“Once you keep playing you build up your confidence and everything falls back into place. But I am sure that when the time is right and I am called upon, I will do a good job for the team.”
Watch the full interview with Emmanuel on Arsenal Player now.
