Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner, slowly returning to full match fitness following a spell on the sidelines that stretches back to November, can empathise with injured players who claim they “go through hell” as he has now endured the same experience.

Furthermore, the Dane - who will be charged with leading the line when the Gunners head into their Sunday clash with league leaders Chelsea - has claimed he is eager to play and give his best.

“When people have been out with long-term injuries they say it was hell. I can understand that now,” Bendtner said to Sky Sports. “It is difficult to motivate yourself because you come in to training each day doing the same things.

“But you stay motivated by telling yourself that one day soon you will be better.

“When you come back, you know you are going to be strong,” he added.

“I am almost back to 100 per cent now and I am going to get better and better all the time.

“You always want to give your best and that is what I will try to do.”

Chelsea currently have a six-point advantage over Arsenal.