Lauren happy to be back

Lauren is 'the happiest man at Arsenal' as he prepares to make his comeback.

Lauren says he is 'the happiest man at Arsenal' as he prepares to make his first-team comeback after 11 months out.

The full-back has not played since the second leg of last season's Carling Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic in January.

He underwent a knee operation and has been painstakingly working back towards a return to fitness.

The Cameroonian featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Vietnamese side Hoang Anh Gia Lai last Friday.

And his rehabilitation is set to be completed on Tuesday after he was named in Arsenal's squad for the Carling Cup quarter-final with Liverpool.

Lauren accepts it has been a long road back to fitness, but is now delighted to be in contention to play at Anfield.

"After so many months out, I am the happiest man at Arsenal," Lauren told the club's official website.

"It has been so long and sometimes has been very painful.

"I can now see the light and getting back in the squad is a big step for me.

"I feel strong and capable to compete again."