Post by Taxigirl on Nov 7, 2003 18:15:49 GMT
for Shaaban.
North London derbies at Highbury mean a great deal to anyone of an Arsenal persuasion. For Rami Shaaban, these games are undoubtedly landmark fixtures.
The Swedish-born goalkeeper made his Premiership debut against THFC almost exactly a year ago on November 16, 2002. He kept a clean sheet that day and Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Tottenham's visit on Saturday coincides with another high in Shaaban's career, albeit a very different one. This week, the 28-year-old finally returned to competitive action after almost 11 months out with a broken leg.
It's been a long road back for Shaaban but the imminent local derby gives him a chance to reminisce about the progress he made last season before suffering his injury.
"That day brings back lots of good memories for me," said Shaaban. "It was almost exactly the same time last year and it was my first Premiership game. It is a game where I kept a clean sheet and I still remember it well."
Shaaban's return gives Arsène Wenger a wealth of goalkeeping options with Jens Lehmann and Graham Stack in good form, Stuart Taylor on his way back from injury and Craig Holloway making steady progress.
For Shaaban, Monday's reserve game against Watford was rich reward for months of hard work at the training ground which tested his mental strength as well as his physical prowess.
"For some people this is the type of injury which you do not come back," said Shaaban, "There were moments where I thought 'will I play again or not?'"
Happily, Shaaban is back. On Saturday he will watch the North London derby and remember his performance in last season's corresponding fixture. Returning to the first team is Shaaban's ultimate target. For now though, he's just happy to be fit.
North London derbies at Highbury mean a great deal to anyone of an Arsenal persuasion. For Rami Shaaban, these games are undoubtedly landmark fixtures.
The Swedish-born goalkeeper made his Premiership debut against THFC almost exactly a year ago on November 16, 2002. He kept a clean sheet that day and Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Tottenham's visit on Saturday coincides with another high in Shaaban's career, albeit a very different one. This week, the 28-year-old finally returned to competitive action after almost 11 months out with a broken leg.
It's been a long road back for Shaaban but the imminent local derby gives him a chance to reminisce about the progress he made last season before suffering his injury.
"That day brings back lots of good memories for me," said Shaaban. "It was almost exactly the same time last year and it was my first Premiership game. It is a game where I kept a clean sheet and I still remember it well."
Shaaban's return gives Arsène Wenger a wealth of goalkeeping options with Jens Lehmann and Graham Stack in good form, Stuart Taylor on his way back from injury and Craig Holloway making steady progress.
For Shaaban, Monday's reserve game against Watford was rich reward for months of hard work at the training ground which tested his mental strength as well as his physical prowess.
"For some people this is the type of injury which you do not come back," said Shaaban, "There were moments where I thought 'will I play again or not?'"
Happily, Shaaban is back. On Saturday he will watch the North London derby and remember his performance in last season's corresponding fixture. Returning to the first team is Shaaban's ultimate target. For now though, he's just happy to be fit.
