There is an argument that the biggest thing holding back Arsenal Football Club, after the years of financial hardship finally came to an end that is, has been the injury and fitness situation. So the signs that this is now coming to an end with the help of some new conditioning experts on the back room staff is really fostering a feeling of confidence that the team can reach the top again.
And while the whole club has been suffering from these problems, some individual players have had it worse than others. The unlucky Abou Diaby and all his problems, for instance, has been like an example of the club in general. The Frenchman has now gone but others like Jack Wilshere still remain and the England international has had a terrible few years that have put his progress in the game on hold.
But all that could be about to change if the medical team at the club can keep the talented midfielder ready for action and from the sounds of what Jack said this week, as reported by the Daily Star, there is a great chance that this will be the case.
As well as revealing that the training in pre-season this summer has been targeted individually to help each player, Jack revealed that the club seems to have got to the underlying causes of his injury problems and that should mean that they can prevent it happening again in the future.
Wilshere said, “When I first got injured my core strength was terrible. I was 18, playing three times a week and didn’t really do any gym work.
“All of a sudden when you’re injured you realise everything revolves around your core. It’s crucial for balance and absorbing impact. The first thing my physios got me to work on was my balance.
“I had to stand on one leg and close my eyes. I couldn’t do it.
“It made a big difference when I came back to full fitness. I work on my speed and strength every day, and I do a lot of work on my first five yards.
“For a footballer that’s really important.
“The intensity of the Premier League is incredible. The levels of fitness you have to reach just to survive in it is absurd.
“When you’re out for a few months it’s tough to come back. It takes a lot of work – you’re willing to try anything that will help you get fit.”
I know some Arsenal fans have grown frustrated with the lad and this has made some forget just what a special talent we had on our hands but I think a long stretch of fitness will see him show us his best once again and that can only be great news for Arsenal, England and the man himself.