Arsenal's Gervinho eager to return to Premier League action after suspension

Arsenal star Gervinho says he cannot wait to return to Premier League action after serving a three-match suspension.

The Ivorian forward, a summer signing from Lille, was red-carded for slapping Joey Barton in the Gunners’ opening match against Newcastle, but will be available for Saturday’s trip to Blackburn.

“It has been a stop and start season for me,” he admitted to skysports.com. “I took the red card and I am annoyed with myself. I have not played in the Premier League at home so far so thank God the waiting is over. I am looking forward to my return this weekend.”

The fleet-footed 24-year-old did participate in Arsenal’s Champions League fixture in Dortmund on Tuesday, in which the team conceded a late equalizer to leave Germany with a 1-1 draw. Despite that setback, Gervinho feels the north London club got a good result.

“In the Champions League we did very well by returning from Germany with a draw,” he said. “Dortmund are a very good team but to concede three minutes from the end was like losing the game. In the Champions League, if you can win at home, the draw away is priceless.”

The Ivorian says the Gunners are now turning their attentions back to the Premier League, in hope of catching up after a poor start.

“Now our focus is on the league, He explained. "We need to keep track of the leaders. We have to win over the weekend and hope Chelsea and Manchester United drop points meeting each other.”

The forward also revealed that Chelsea’s Salomon Kalou is helping him to settle in the country.

“I am settling well,” he stated. “It is not easy when you are new to a country but I have friends here. My friend Salomon Kalou has been helping me settle as well as my Arsenal teammates.”