Wenger Admits Diaby Concern

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he was concerned over the long-term future of midfielder Abou Diaby due to the players injury record.

The French midfielder has been restricted to just 114 appearances for the Gunners during his six year stay at the club due to a whole host of injury problems.

Diaby suffered a severe broken ankle back in May 2006 that required three separate operations to repair, with surgeons claiming it could have ended the players career. He made a successful comeback over a year later but the 26-year-old has seen his career constantly blighted by injuries ever since and missed practically the whole of last season through injury, only making 3 substitute appearances.

However, Diaby managed to get a full pre-season under his belt this year and has started all of Arsenal’s 3 games so far this season, including a MOTM display during their 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Manager Arsene Wenger admitted after the game that he was worried the player may never be able fulfill his potential due to his injury problems, and has his fingers crossed that he will come through the international break unscathed.

Wenger told Arsenal.com:

“I was worried about him highly but I always stood behind him because not only is he a fantastic football player but a fantastic guy as well. Let’s hope he survives the break because the national team travel a lot, play two games in four days and let’s hope he comes back in good shape.”

Wenger went on to praise the former Auxerre midfielder saying he is a ‘tremendous’ footballer but claims there is even more to come.

“You can see it is massive for us because he is a tremendous football player. He has absolutely everything you want in midfield. He hasn’t played for a year but he had a good pre-season where we had him 45 minutes every three days and now he looks in good shape. There is more to come from him but what he has shown today is very good.”

Diaby has drawn comparisons with former Gunner Patrick Vieira and following Sunday’s performance, it’s easy to see why. Let’s hope he can stay fit this season and we can finally see what Diaby is capable of.

Are you excited by the return to fitness of Abou Diaby? Get involved in the comments section.

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