Lukas Podolski: It was hard watching Arsenal while I was injured

Lukas Podolski has revealed his delight at returning to action after inspiring Arsenal to victory at West Ham United on Boxing Day.

The Germany international set up Theo Walcott’s second goal and then netted the third himself after coming off the bench in a 3-1 win at Upton Park.

It was the 28-year-old’s first appearance since he injured his hamstring back at the end of August – and the forward admits it was not easy to watch the Gunners from the sidelines.

“I have been out for a long time, four months, so it was not easy,” Podolski told Arsenal’s website.

“I have never had a muscle injury before so it was a new experience. It was a hamstring injury and they take a long time [to recover from].

“Every morning you come in, you have treatment, you work hard to get fit while the others are working outside. It is not easy for the head.

“When you sit on the bench or on the couch at home, it is not easy to watch. You don’t have the feeling [of truly being] with the team and in the dressing room. But that is the way it is in football, so I am all the more happy to be back.

“It was important we got the three points here because the last few matches we drew or lost and you’re always happy when you get an assist or score a goal.

“I remember last season we had a lot of injuries and a lot of problems. Now we have only one or two, so it’s good. We have the three points and it was a derby, so it was good for the fans.

“Every match is important now, every match is about three points – we are top and we want to stay there. It is not easy because there are five or six teams who are all strong this season, but we have a strong team and we will fight.”