Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said that he is hugely optimistic for the new season as he nears a return to fitness.
The 26-year-old tore his cruciate knee ligaments in December and has been sidelined since - his third major injury in as many years, having also missed the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 with back and knee problems respectively.
Gundogan insists that he will not rush his recovery, but hopes that the worst is now behind him as he looks towards the new campaign.
"It is heavy mentally to accept the injuries. It is really hard always to fall and fight your way back. You feel good and feel ready, then you get the next kick," he told BBC Sport.
"The worst part is behind me now. I want to feel ready when I am fully back. I want to feel safe and confident. I don't mind if it is two weeks or six.
"Optimism for the season is big. It is huge, definitely. Honestly we felt that last year as well but it was a completely new experience for all of us. We know the Premier League a bit more now and can't wait for the season to start."
Gundogan scored five goals in 15 appearances for City during his debut season at the Etihad Stadium.
Barney Corkhill
