Jurrien Timber picked up a heart-breaking ACL injury during his debut for Arsenal in the Premier League at the start of the season.
Before that, he'd impressed in Arsenal's pre-season tour and even in the Community Shield win over Manchester City.
He's nearing recovery now after undergoing surgery and even made the Gunners' Champions League squad.
As he closes in on a much-awaited comeback, the centre-back told Arsenal club media: "At some points, it’s been difficult because you’re not playing, and that’s the thing you love to do.
"Sometimes you really want to join the team – when you are enjoying the game so much you really want to get down there and be part of it.
"That’s frustrating because sometimes it looks so amazing you want to be part of it. But I use that as motivation during my recovery.
"I see the boys a lot, at the training ground but also at the games, and that’s been good for me too."
Choosing to see the silver lining in this setback, Timber continued: "These months will definitely make me stronger. It’s an opportunity for me to do well.
"So even though I’m not playing, I can take this moment to become stronger mentally, physically, and also to feel at home with this group of boys.
"It’s an opportunity I’ve taken with both hands. I’ve had some more time to watch the team, see how we play, how I can fit in when I get on the pitch, so looking at the positives, I think there have been many."
