Diaby Edges Closer To First Team Return After Impressing For Arsenal U-21’s

Arsenal could get a major injury boost with Abou Diaby edging closer to a first team return after putting in an impressive shift for the under-21’s on Wednesday afternoon.

After missing the majority of last season through injury, Diaby made an excellent start to this season and was hugely impressive during the first five or six games, particularly against Liverpool at Anfield when he was virtually unplayable and lead us to a 2-0 win.

However, predictably the Frenchman picked up another innocuous looking injury soon after and has been on the sidelines for the last three months. But after returning the training 10 days ago, Diaby was picked in a strong looking under-21 side that took on West Brom on Wednesday afternoon.

The line-up included the likes of Andre Santos, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Carl Jenkinson, Francis Coquelin and Emmanuel Frimpong, but it was Diaby who was pulling the strings midfield, according to Arsenal’s official match report.

The Frenchman was subbed in the 65 minute after an impressive comeback that will surely put him in contention to feature against Manchester City on Sunday. We’ll learn more when Arsene Wenger holds his weekly press conference but the signs are that Diaby will be back in the first team reckoning soon. The question will be, how long will he stay fit this time?!

The game against West Brom ended 1-1 with Andre Santos finding the net for Arsenal just before half time, so the Brazilian is also putting himself in contention for a first team return. But with Kieran Gibbs impressive recent performances, it’s going to be difficult for Santos to force his way back into Arsene Wengers plans.

How do you think Abou Diaby fits into the Arsenal midfield? Get involved in the comments section below.