Abou Diaby to start for Arsenal U21s after more than a year out with knee injury
Abou Diaby will make his long-awaited return to action on Tuesday night as Arsenal under-21s face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The French midfielder has been plagued with injuries over the years, and has been recovering from knee ligament damage this season.
But Arsene Wenger revealed that Diaby has progressed since returning to full training, despite not having played since March last year.
Set to return: Abou Diaby may feature for Arsenal U21's against Chelsea on Tuesday night
Boost: Arsene Wenger insists the French midfielder is 'fine physically' after over a year out
Diaby: Season by season (PL only)
*yet to finish
2005/06: Appearances 12 Goals 1
2006/07: Appearances 12 Goals 1
2007/08: Appearances 15 Goals 1
2008/09: Appearances 24 Goals 3
2009/10: Appearances 29 Goals 6
2010/11: Appearances 16 Goals 2
2011/12: Appearances 4 Goals 0
2012/13: Appearances 11 Goals 0
2013/14*: Appearances 0 Goals 0
'He is back in full training now and available to play,' Wenger told Arsenal Player. 'He might play a part of the game for the under-21s.
'Yes of course [he could play for the first team this season], it depends how well he comes out of the game. He hasn't played for a year but physically he is ready to play, completely. It is now just decision-making, getting used to challenges again. He needs a game.
'Everybody [counted him out] but he is fit and ready.'
Having struggled in recent months, Arsenal are now being blessed with the return of several key members.
Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey have both impressed since coming back into the fold, and the physical presence of Diaby may boost the Gunners' top-four aspirations.
Strong: The Gunners have missed Diaby's physical presence this season
Midfield option: Since returning, Gunners duo Aaron Ramsey (left) and Mesut Ozil (right) have impressed
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