Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs has targeted a return to full fitness a month ahead of schedule.

Defender nearing return after metatarsal injury

Arsenal full-back Kieran Gibbs has targeted a return to full fitness a month ahead of schedule. The 20-year-old has not played since a UEFA Champions League win over Standard Liege in November, in which he picked up a fractured metatarsal. Gibbs was expected to spend three months on the sidelines but, after stepping up his recovery programme, he admits he can now focus on regaining his match fitness. "I feel fine at the minute, and have been doing some work in the gym," Gibbs told. "Hopefully if the results come back okay, I can get on and really start getting [match] fit again." The injury is the first serious one of the youngster's career and although he admits he has found it tough, returning to the club's training ground has helped his state of mind. "I did not deal with it that well, because this is my first time I have been out for a long time," he added. "But your friends and family are there, and they help you get through it. "I have been into the training ground recently, and seen a lot of the players. It is good when you are around the team. "To come back into the changing room, to get involved again makes you feel back at home."