A HA? not yet! – Podolski won’t risk Arsenal comeback by rushing!!

Lukas Podolski yesterday hinted on his instagram account that he may soon be returning on the pitch for Arsenal, as his recovery from injury continues to progress well. However perhaps that news was a tad premature as today he dashed some hopes of an imminent return by suggesting it could still be some time before he manages his way back onto the pitch.

Podolski had a very tough first season in England, struggling with both an ankle injury, which required surgery in the summer, as well as continuous fitness issues, largely down to the fact he hadn’t experienced a season without a winter break; but with those problems now seemingly in the past, Podolski was looking to become the world class player we were all expecting him to become, only for that dream to once again be reduced to tatters.

Podolski endured a fantastic game against Fulham in the league with two very well taken goals, however an injury in the very next game, a champion’s league qualifier against Fenerbahce, ruled him out for 6 weeks and now that the time has come, the fans of Arsenal cannot wait to see his return. But with suggestions that Podolski won’t be rushed back means that he could still have some way to go before he manages to prove his worth again.

Podolski said: “I work hard every day in rehab and am satisfied with the healing process. It also does not help to rush things. I have a responsibility to the national team and to Arsenal. I won’t compromise my goals. I will not make the mistake of trying to return too early to the pitch.”

First of all, Podolski is admittedly right to not rush back to football with Arsenal because it can certainly make things worse, as we experienced with Jack Wilshere, however on the other hand, questions must be raised to think, is Podolski actually considered to have a place in the Arsenal team anyway. The German international struggled last season when he only had the likes of Walcott and Chamberlain to compete with. However with Cazorla and Ozil now also capable of playing out wide, Podolski will find the competition even firmer.