I don’t seem to be having much luck with injuries at the moment, and that has prevented my Aston Villa career from so far taking off in the way I would have hoped.

My latest minor setback came in our last match against Derby. I arrived at Villa Park and changed for the game. Then I went on to the pitch for my pre-match stretching and warm-up.

I felt okay when the game got under way, but then when I made my first full run and I hit the ball I felt a muscle go at the top of my leg. It was important not to damage it further, which is why I came straight off, as a precautionary measure. It is not a serious injury, and I am confident that I shall be fit to face Arsenal when the Premiership programme resumes in a fortnight after the break for the international fixtures.

I am not someone who believes in getting frustrated, so I am not letting myself get affected by such setbacks. However, I am disappointed that I have not yet had the chance to show the fans what I am capable of doing. But it is a long season, with 38 League games plus the cups, so I urge the fans to be patient.

Sometimes, you have a flying start to a new season, but then you don’t finish it very well. So I am hoping that the reverse will be true for me, and that I shall go from strength to strength as the season goes on and finish it on a high.

The main thing is that the team does well. Some people consider me to be an individual, rather than a team player, but this is simply not true. I am delighted that Villa are in fifth place, with a game in hand on the four clubs above us - and this is without me having yet performed to my full potential!

The Worthington Cup draw has paired us against Manchester City, who were promoted from the first division, and that will give me the chance to face my former PSG team-mate George Weah.

The cups will play a very important part in our season, and my aim is to finish the campaign by playing in one or other of the domestic cup finals - with a victory of course taking us into Europe next season.

All eyes during the next fortnight will be on the international scene, as the various World Cup qualifiers take place.

As World Champions, France can of course take it easy, although they will play two friendlies in this period.

England, on the other hand, need to get off to a good start in their clashes with Germany and Finland.

It is good to see Kevin Keegan investing in the future, by including youngsters such as Joe Cole of West Ham and Villa’s own Gareth Barry in his squad. It is right for these type of players to be involved, as they are the internationals of the future.

At this point I would just like to wish my former team-mate, Sol Campbell, a speedy recovery from his dislocated shoulder. I am sure that both Tottenham and England will miss his presence while he is out injured.

Someone else who deserves a mention is my former France team-mate Jean Tigana. he is working wonders at Fulham, who are racing away with the first division, and he is proving that French managers can be a success in England. Hopefully I shall be facing him next season if the Cottagers carry on the good work and earn promotion to the Premiership.

I am still busy promoting my autobiography, Le Magnifique, and I have been touring the country with my agent Chantal for several signing sessions. When I was in London, I met up with three dedicated young fans, Bradley, Louis and Jordan. It was good to see you three guys there, and keep tuning in to hear my thoughts on this site!

My football schedule has unfortunately prevented me from attending a tribute dinner which would have been held at Norwich City Football Club. This is a pity, as I would have enjoyed a visit to meet the folk of East Anglia. But maybe this can happen some time in the future instead.

I am enjoying life in Birmingham too, and I have been honoured with an invite to turn on the Christmas lights in Sutton Coldfield, on November 23rd. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to flick the switch - something I did in Regent Street a couple of years ago. I know I’ll be following in distinguished footsteps too, as our chairman Doug Ellis had the honour last year.

I shall spend the current break working on my fitness, so that I am ready to face Arsenal - a truly massive game.

I shall build up to my thoughts on that in the coming week, so come back and see me soon!

Take care and I’ll see you all very soon.!

David Ginola

Please note that this news section is updated every Friday afternoon

Email David by clicking here