Andre Santos, 28, had been a key member of the first-team in the early season, but broke down when told he would need ankle surgery.
“It was very hard,” he told Arsenal Player. “When I found that I would need an operation it was very hard news to take. I was in the changing room when they told me and I cried.
“All of the players were trying to comfort me, but I was scared because I’d never been through this before and surgeries are never guaranteed to go 100 per cent well.
“But everything did go well and I have to thank Doctor Abdala from Sao Paulo and everyone here, Colin Lewin for example, who helped me with my treatment. Also Simon, Tony and Marcos, they were essential for my return.”
