Giovanni takes first steps to recovery

Arsenal's Giovanni van Bronckhorst is back in Holland today starting his recuperation from knee surgery.

Although he was upset at last night's defeat, Van Bronckhorst has his own focus for the rest of the season - recovering from his operation.

So far, all has gone to plan as the skilful defender-cum-midfielder told his icons website: "I had the operation performed on my knee last Wednesday and everything went as well as I could have hoped.

"The damaged ligament was replaced, although I'm still not sure exactly how, and it was much less painful than I had imagined.

"I spent just one night in the hospital, and then went to stay in a hotel. The place where I stayed is a small ski resort just outside Denver, so it was very beautiful, with some beautiful mountains and snow.

"Luckily the doctor who carried out the operation discovered there was no damage to the knee, other than the ligament we knew about, so it is all pretty straightforward.

"I've been having two sessions of exercise every day in a clinic here, making sure the knee is kept mobile.

"I'm doing a little bit of cycling, and exercises to bend the knee.

"The important thing now is to strengthen the muscles in my upper leg.

"Now I'm back in Holland, the real work begins to get back to fitness. I also want to get back home because I'm missing my little boy, who is staying there with my family.

"Basically, today I'll be back at the Dutch national sports centre starting to do strengthbuilding exercises. I'm looking forward to setting myself goals, the first of which will be to walk without crutches.

"Then I'll be looking forward to running, then doing stuff with the ball.

"It's all about taking one step at a time, and not thinking you can do more than you really can.

"I've spoken to Mr Wenger and Gary Lewin (the Arsenal physio) and so they are totally up to date with exactly what is happening.