Arsenal striker keen to get back in the mix (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Arsenal striker keen to get back in the mix

12:19pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010 in

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ARSENAL striker Nicklas Bendtner is looking forward to getting stuck in to the team's stuttering title campaign after making his first appearance in three months against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Danish international has been a frustrated figure on the sidelines since November after suffering with a groin injury. But his cameo appearance against the champions was incident-free and he is eager to win his place back in the side for the trip to Chelsea.

“You always want to be able to give your best and that is what I will try to do,” he told Arsenal's matchday programme.

“"If you look at the programme now, there are only four months left, then we are at the World Cup. It's gone so quickly. When people say they have been out with long-term injuries and they say it's hell, I can completely understand that now.

"It's difficult [spending time out injured], and you come in to training each day doing the same things. But you motivate by telling yourself that one day soon you will be better. When you come back you know you will find yourself again, and you are going to be strong.

"The medical staff are here to work with me and make me better. They do the best they can and I do the best I can. Away from football I don't have any people in my life who don't make me happy, so there was no change.

"I'm a naturally happy guy, whether I'm injured or not. It's harder when you are out injured because a big part of your life, and something you love is taken away from you.

"You never know what's going to happen, but I'm almost back to 100 per cent now and I'm going to get better and better all the time. I feel fine in training so let's see."