After recovering from a virus, Arsenal defender Gael Clichy is healthy and looking forward to play Manchester United on Monday evening at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, the Frenchman revealed he had to sit out Wednesday’s Champions League against Partizan Belgrade after suffering from the 24-hour virus(also known as the stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis) with the left-back then replaced by Kieran Gibbs who will unfortunately not be part of the squad after suffering an ankle injury in the game.

Asked about reaching the top of the table, the 25-year old admitted many are still skeptical about Arsenal which however managed to reach the top despite not at their best.

Ahead of Monday’s game against Manchester United, Clichy was full of praise for Portugal’s Nani, explaining how he was amazing since Cristiano Ronaldo left and how he can play with both feet, can score from set pieces and is a complete player.

Speaking on Thursday, Clichy said:

I’m much better [now]. It was really strange, I think it’s called the “24-hour virus”. Before the Champions League game it was really difficult, the doctor came home, gave me an injection but I feel better now.

People doubt us but even if we are not playing the best football that we can this year we still managed to be [top of the table].

People can talk but the fact today is that we are at the top, we’ve won more games than Manchester United of course and that shows that we’ve been good enough to be at the top.

I think since Ronaldo left, [Nani] has been really amazing, we know the guy, right-foot, left-foot, he’s quick, good at set-pieces, he’s a complete player but I think it’s not just about him.

Old Trafford is a big stadium with a big team, it’s not only one player, it’s the whole day, going away, playing there, even the referee can make mistakes because the pressure is there.