Hector Bellerin: Unseen Journey

Episode 1 of the Unseen Journey takes a look into the days following the game vs Chelsea 2019 in which I initially got injured. My decision to take surgery in Barcelona, and the emotions that went with the realisation of being out for a minimum of 9-months.

Episode 2 takes you into the surgery theatre where Dr Cugat performs ACL reconstruction on my left knee. We go through the moments leading up to the surgery and the recovery process at the hospital and home. The episode shows the mental and physical strain the operation takes on the body, and my exercises hours after the surgery.

Episode 3 covers the day-to-day rehab in Barcelona post-op and how we formed a rehab family to help support each other through the long rehab days. Regardless of the ups and downs we all faced we all pulled together in order to get us all to the finish line which we were all focused on. The episode also covers my time at home with family and how important this is for me during a time where I needed them the most. Along with my final preparations to head back to London and begin my road to recovery at Arsenal.

Episode 4 shows my return back to London from Barcelona as I begin my normal routine. I worked closely with the physios in the gym and EP4 gives you an insight into the medical and physical background to an ACL rehab process. However, we see some challenges of my return to London and staying on track for my comeback.

Episode 5 covers my return to the Emirates for the first time since the last game I played there vs Chelsea and made me realise how much I missed the match-day routine. I showcase a bit more about my life away from rehab and how my hobbies helped me relieve some of the mental stress I endured during the rehabilitation process.

Episode 6 takes us to Greece to continue some rehab but also take time away to recharge and prepare for the next season ahead. I reflect on my position at Arsenal whilst looking ahead at what the future holds. The summer of 2019 allowed me a lot of time for self-reflection and I felt change was needed. A new haircut, tattoo and positive mindset allowed me to enter season 2019/20 ready for the challenges ahead to get back fit and regain my place in the team.

Episode 7 shows my process in learning how to run again, Arsenals' tour to Los Angeles, my relationship with Rob Holding throughout our ACL recovery and putting on my boots for the first time! I cover some doubts I had building in my mind ahead of my comeback as well.

EP8, the comeback!! We showcase the days leading up to my comeback game, game day and my feelings towards finding my feet during the U23 game. Also, a real insight into my relationship with Kieran Tierney. The journey doesn't stop here, the comeback had it's own setbacks.

In Episode 9 of Hector Bellerin's 'Unseen Journey' documentary series, the Spaniard discusses that goal against Chelsea, the impact of his serious knee injury, coming back to full fitness, what it meant to captain the side and his third Emirates FA Cup victory at Wembley.