Shaaban Sets His Sights on Pre-season

Rami Shaaban is recovering well from his broken leg and has targetted pre-season training this summer for his comeback.

The goalkeeper was the surprise success of Arsenal's early season. He arrived from Swedish side Djurgardens just before the transfer deadline in August, made his first-team debut in the North London derby at Highbury in November and went on to start in high-profile games at Roma and Manchester United.

However he fractured the tibia and fibula in his right leg during training on Christmas Eve and underwent surgery that night. The plaster was removed after a few days and since then the 27-year-old has been in on the long road back to recovery.

"It is going pretty well," Shaaban told Arsenal.com. "I was training last week and rested over the weekend, so we will see if there is any reaction.

"I am doing some work on the bike and the treadmill at the moment. It's just walking because I am trying to find my balance again.

"I'll be seeing the surgeon again in the close season. That is a long time away but they don't want to rush things and I think that is the best way to do it."

Shaaban has just comes off crutches, although he will continue to use one when he goes into crowded areas. The lack of mobility has not stopped him travelling.

"I went away with my family to Sweden and Egypt," he said. "I think it was very good to have those weeks off but it was great to see all the guys again when I came back."

As with any long-term injury, half the battle is in the mind and Shaaban believes he is winning.

"I think I have coped with the mental side quite well," he said. "It is a lot about confidence. You have to win against the fear that the injury will be weak. You have to beat that.

"But they say that when a bone heals it is stronger than it was before the break. So I'll just have to trust the doctors.

"I have learnt a lot during this time so when I can come back hopefully I'll be a better player."