Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is determined to prove his fitness and take his opportunities this season.
The England international impressed as the Gunners secured their place in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy with a 4-0 win against a Singapore Select XI on Wednesday.
Oxlade-Chamberlain missed most of the second half of last season through injury, but he is keen to make up for lost time now.
"I do see this season as an opportunity. First and foremost, you have to do everything you can to stay fit, so I’m working on that"
“It’s always nice to play a game,” he said. “Everyone looks to pre-season and getting going - it’s a good opportunity for all of us to get fitness back.
“It’s a step in the right direction to getting back to full fitness, not just for myself but for everyone. We’re looking forward to the start of the season.
“I’ve seen every year as a big one for me and this is no different. I did suffer from injuries for the last two seasons now, which is always frustrating and isn’t something you want.
“I do see this season as an opportunity. First and foremost, you have to do everything you can to stay fit, so I’m working on that. Then you never know what can happen in football. You’ve got to be positive and take any opportunities you get.
“For now I’m just focused on trying to get my fitness back and make the start of the season in the best possible shape to give the boss a hard time so he has to think about his selections.
“We’re all thinking that - there’s been a lot of competitiveness in training. There’s been a high standard set and even the boys that have just come back look sharp and ready. That’s what we need looking ahead to the start of the season.
“It’s not just me who thinks it’s a good opportunity, it’s a good opportunity for all of us, especially off the back of a good end to the season last year.
“But for myself it is an important season for me and I’ll just approach it the same way I have all of the other seasons.”
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