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Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires is close to playing for the first time since leaving the Gunners bound for Villarreal in the summer.
The former France international suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during a pre-season friendly match just days after agreeing a two-year contract with the Spanish side.
Pires, 33, has been out of action for nine months, but after returning to light training is expected to be back in first-team contention towards the end of February.
"I have reached the end of my rehabilitation, I was operated on four months ago," said Pires.
"At the end of January, I am going to be able to start training again with the team.
"I hope to be able to play again at the end of February, but not before." |
Good news for the Yellow Submarine. Obviously he won't be the player he once was, noone really is after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury, but his experience on the field should be able to help alot.
