Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has claimed that his time on the sidelines through injury has helped him to become a better player.

The Frenchman recently returned to the Gunners first team after four months out with a broken leg.

"I've watched many games, Arsenal and others, and when you're standing with the crowd it's totally different," he told the club's official website.

"You can see open spaces that you can't when you're on the pitch because the angles are different. What looks easy when you're watching a game is often more difficult on the pitch, and you realise why supporters get nervous when you do certain things. I think I understand that more now.

"I always look at other right backs, what they do well and what they don't, so hopefully I've picked up some new things for my game too."

Arsenal host Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on Saturday.