Arsenal fullback Hector Bellerin could return from injury an even stronger footballer, according to the club's academy head of sports medicine and athletic development Des Ryan.

The Spaniard suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during our 2-0 win over Chelsea in January.

"It's been so busy for him, so one of the rare things he gets to experience now is the time to develop even more in the gym," Ryan told Arsenal Player. "I know with Darren, Shad and Barry looking after him, and all the physios in the first team, I can see him coming back at an even higher level.

"Obviously that will come with time once he's back playing, but we have to remember that players reach their peak at 27 or 28 - that can vary with individuals - but Hector will have no problem rising to the challenge.

"There are three attributes that we focus on developing in academy players that are very strong in Hector: respect, humility and discipline. He's got the respect of everyone around them and returns that respect.

"He will get the best out of the people around him and the people around him will get the best out of him. He's so disciplined that he will do everything he can to make sure he returns at an even higher level."