Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta has admitted that he was left frustrated because of his lengthy injury absence last season.

The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder could only manage 12 appearances for the Gunners last term but is now relieved he can take the pitch again after a disheartening period on the sidelines.

Arteta, who has now recovered from his injury problems, said: "I really missed it [when I was out].

"I had a really tough period last year after my last game in November and I went through some really difficult moments with my surgery.

"For me it is the frustration [that is the hardest thing] because there is always pain and you are trying to get back everyday and you spend a lot of time doing rehabilitation.

"When the players go outside for a training session, you feel wasted. They come back, they travel and they have different times to you. Personally I don't feel productive.

"I'm here because I want to play games, make this team more successful and be a part of it.

"When I'm not able to do that I still have to contribute, be positive, be good around the other players, give advice and try to help my team-mates. But it is not the same.

"But I worked really hard and tried to stay positive, do my best and here I am again now, earning my place in the squad and ready to help the team."