Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs has revealed how club-mate Rob Holding helped get her through the last nine months of injury hell.
The Gunners pair suffered serious knee injuries early last season, just weeks apart, and both are easing their way back into action at the start of the new campaign.
Nobbs missed the Lionesses’ World Cup campaign during the summer and the 27-year-old admits there were seriously difficult days as she battled her way back to fitness.
But, in a bittersweet stroke of fortune, she had a close friend to keep her company.
“Me and Rob did our coaching licenses together, so when we did our knees a few weeks apart, it was incredible luck,” Nobbs told talkSPORT.
“We were in the gym a lot and he’s been a massive part of my rehab. He’s one of the most positive, smiley people I’ve ever met.
“He was the perfect person to be around in the gym. It’s nice to hear someone else have the same feeling you do and know something’s not wrong.
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“The likes of Ivan Gazidis and people higher up all messaged me. I’ve been here for nine years and I think they know how much I love this club.”
Prior to her injury, Nobbs had established herself as one of the best players in the Women’s Super League and her quality was sorely missed by England in France.
She added: “Especially with how well I was performing before I got injured, I was in one of the best places I’ve been in, scoring goals and physically in a great place.
“These last few weeks I’ve felt back to myself again. I’m sure there’s some good times for me to come, but it’s 100 per cent been one of the hardest times of my career.
“I’ve had nine months of terrible days. Days when I’ve come into the training ground and wanted to leave straight away. Days when I’ve been in the gym and I’ve got upset because all the girls are going out training.
“But I think it does make you stronger. It makes you appreciate every single bit about being a footballer.”