Emmanuel Frimpong is thrilled to be back in action for Arsenal.

Frimpong, 20, made his own long-awaited return to action last night, coming on as a substitute to end seven months out after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while on loan at Wolves during February.

It was a second potential career-ending injury for the Ghana-born midfielder, who suffered a similar problem in his left knee two years ago.

Frimpong said on Arsenal Player: "It feels good to be back after so much hard work in the gym, and I am just pleased to be playing football again.

"I am a footballer, all I want to do is get out there and help my team, whether I am fit enough to play or fit enough to be in the squad.

"I just want to be out there with the lads and helping Arsenal progress."

Frimpong relished heading full-on into the physical challenges again.

"It is quite important when you come back from a big injury. You want people to knock you about a bit. I got one, but I wanted more," he said.