Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that midfielder Jack Wilshere questioned his football career following a number of injury setbacks.
The England international has not played a competitive match for over a year after suffering an ankle injury, which led to a number of problems including additional knee surgery.
"I am not medically expert enough to know how big the damage was in his ankle," said Wenger. "It never crossed my mind. Has it crossed his mind? Only he can answer that. I think, yes.
"Jack, though, has always been with a good level of confidence. I believe what he has gone through will make him even stronger.
"Jack had ups and downs, and many downs because he had a few setbacks, but he dealt with it very well, especially in the last three months he was highly focused every day."
The 20-year-old began training with his Gunners teammates this week.