Santi Cazorla says he still has "a little way to go" until is fit enough to make his Arsenal comeback after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Cazorla has been back in full training this week for the first time since injuring his knee against Norwich in November, having originally been expected back in March. But while the knee healed quicker than expected, Cazorla experienced an Achilles problem that slowed down his recovery.
"We'd planned for me to come back after four months and my goal was to play in the second leg against Barcelona [in March]," Cazorla told the Arsenal website. "Everything was going well and my recovery was even ahead of schedule, but sadly it all went wrong on my second day running outside with the fitness coach.
"I started to feel a really sharp pain in my Achilles and that's why it's been five months. It's been tough because it was an unexpected blow and that always makes it harder to take.
"It was something even worse I had to take in but these things happen in football and I hope I can recover as quickly as possible because I'm dying to play again."
Arsenal have struggled in Cazorla's absence in central midfield, with their campaign deteriorating in the second half of the season. They no longer have a realistic chance of catching Premier League leaders Leicester and could yet fall out of the top four if they don't win their remaining five games.
While Jack Wilshere could be back in the squad for the first time this season for Sunday's game at Sunderland, Cazorla said he still needs a bit more time to return to match fitness.
"I still have a little way to go until I'm back to my best and can play with the team," he added. "I'm training with them now so I can return as soon as possible.
"I hate not playing. I need the daily routine of football so when I can't do that I don't enjoy it."
Watching his teammates falter in the title race hasn't been enjoyable either.
Ready for #AFCvWBA? Here's a look at @Arsenal's training session ahead of Thursday's match https://t.co/bRbX7bqTpW pic.twitter.com/vLU17oMLwu
- Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 21, 2016
"Obviously we haven't been able to challenge for the title. We've made mistakes in key matches and that's prevented us from fighting with Leicester and Tottenham," the Spaniard said.
"I remember the home game against Swansea for example, you cannot afford to drop three points at home in a game like that if you want to fight for the title. That's why we're a little way off in the title race."