Forgotten midfielder set to return as Arsenal aim to end season on high
Published:Abou Diaby could feature for Arsenal in the race for Champions League football after Arsene Wenger revealed the midfielder was back in full training.
The Frenchman, who has made 123 appearances for the club, has been sidelined for over a year after damaging his cruciate ligaments in training but returned to play 45 minutes for Arsenal’s Under-21 side against Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
And with Arsenal just one point clear of Everton in the race for fourth and chasing a first piece of silverware in nine years Diaby’s return could help to see them over the line in their quest for glory.
“He is back in full training now and available to play,” the Arsenal boss told the club’s official website.
“Yes of course [he could play for the senior side], 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.”
The Gunners are 1/6 to secure a top four finish in the Premier League after Sunday’s 3-0 procession over Hull City and Wenger will be hoping for more of the same when they meet the same opposition in the FA Cup final next month.
The north Londoners are 4/7 for a repeat performance which would see them lift the famous trophy for the first time since 2005.
And while Wenger has urged caution regarding the returning French international, who has been plagued by injuries during his eight-year career at the club, his availability will boost an Arsenal squad already enjoying the return to fitness of both Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil.
And with games against Newcastle, West Brom and Norwich to come in the Premier League, as well as a date at Wembley the more players Wenger has at his disposal the better for Arsenal’s chances of finishing the season on a high note.
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