Krystian Bielik up for the battle with Walsall

The Arsenal loanee, who signed for the Saddlers in January, only joined up the squad last week after being blighted by injury over the past nine months.

Bielik began the 2017/18 campaign with a shoulder problem before then injuring his knee while training with the Gunners.

He joined the Saddlers on loan having almost regained full fitness, only for a hamstring strain to then delay his recovery.

Now though he has finally teamed up with Dean Keates’ side.

And he admits he is desperate to get out onto the field and help Walsall in their relegation battle.

“I’m up for this fight,” the centre-back said.

“I’m so excited to get out there, show my quality and do my best for Walsall.

“This season has not been good for me. I’ve only played four games. But we have got eight games left now and I will do everything I can to play all eight so I can help Walsall stay in League One.”

“Hopefully then I can go on holiday and just try and forget all the bad things that have happened this season.

“I want to end this season on a high and be able to start next season fresh and ready to play football.”

Bielik impressed in the Championship last season during a temporary switch to Blues.

He joined Arsenal in 2015 after the Gunners paid £2.5million to snap him up from Legia Wasaw.

But despite his reputation, the 20-year-old knows he is going to have to fight to win a place in Keates’ team.

“In every training session I am going to do my best to impress the coach,” Bielik continued.

“Some people might say ‘oh, he came from Arsenal so he has to play.’

“But no, I know I have to deserve it by performing in training.

“If the manager puts me in the squad I’ll try to stay there for as long as I can and play the most games the best that I can.

“That’s my target for this season.”