Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has revealed that he dislocated his shoulder as many as three times in 10 minutes during December's fixture at West Ham United.
Having spent the opening weeks of the season on the sidelines, the Scotland international had been making just his fourth Premier League start for the Gunners.
However, the full-back was forced off with a dislocated shoulder, an injury which has kept the 22-year-old out of action since December 9.
After another three months in the treatment room, the former Celtic man has acknowledged that he has suffered the 'toughest period' of his professional career.
Speaking to Sport Bible, Tierney said: "Mentally it was probably the toughest time of my life. In my head I was thinking, 'I need an operation now.' I knew.
"Three times in ten minutes, nobody's shoulder should be going like that. So in my head as I was lying down I was thinking, 'That's me out for another few months'.
"I knew that devastation straight away and I think you can see it on my face."
Tierney has made a further six outings in cup competitions since moving to the Emirates Stadium.
