Maxime Colin has spent his summer break working to try and ensure he avoids a repeat of his injury-hit first season at Brentford.
The Frenchman suffered a knee injury in his first month at the club before having groin problems at the start of 2016.
And Colin has used his time off to build up his fitness, while he returned to pre-season training earlier than everyone else.
He said: “I wasn't good with injuries so I took care of myself during the break. I came back early here.
“I came back during the summer to see the medical staff. I did a lot of preparation over the holiday.
“There was a lot of work to be better and I hope this will help me during the season. I hope my body will follow.”
In pictures: Maxime Colin's first season at Brentford
Colin is hopeful the off-season fitness work has paid off and he feels stronger than he ever has done.
He added: “I feel really strong. Against Bochum, I was really fit. We only play 45 minutes for the moment so we can't really judge ourselves. I feel really strong and this gave me a lot of expectation for the season.”
Colin's injuries gave both Nico Yennaris and Josh Clarke a chance and it has left the former Anderlecht man in no doubt that he must perform to keep his place.
He explained: “Last year my injury gave a chance to Nico Yennaris. He started to play but football is like this.
“We're a group of players so the better player will play. I'll try to keep my fitness. I'll always give 100 per cent.
“It's good to have a player to push you. If you're alone you can do less work. It's good to have someone to push you and help the team.”
