Arsene Wenger has revealed that if Abou Diaby is able to prove his fitness, he will be offered a new contract at Arsenal.
The France midfielder, who has 16 caps for his country, has endured a miserable time with injuries whilst at the Emirates Stadium. His problems began towards the end of the 2005-06 season when a broken ankle sidelined him until the New Year. He has since suffered thigh, knee and further ankle injuries, before he was struck down with cruciate ligament damage in March 2012.
Currently battling back from a calf complaint, Diaby has made just two appearances in the last 21 months, and has featured for just 67 minutes of the current campaign. The 28-year-old will be out of contract at the end of the season, but as he looks to bounce back from his latest setback, Wenger has revealed the player can still have a future with the Gunners if he can prove his fitness.
“If Abou Diaby is fully fit, he will have a new deal at Arsenal,” said Wenger ahead of the traditionally testing trip to Britannia Stadium to face Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. “Abou Diaby is on the fringe of coming back into full training but he is not there yet. He has a calf problem. His injuries are never severe but little grade one [problems]. He is not available yet.”
As well as the continued absence of Diaby, Wenger has had to contend with a number of other injuries this season. At present he has a total of 11 first team players sidelined, although there is a chance Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs, Tomas Rosicky and Yaya Sanogo could be available on Saturday. One player the Gunners can’t afford to be without at the moment is leading goalscorer Alexis Sanchez, but the Chile ace will be rested for the midweek trip to Galatasaray.
“I will have to give him a week’s break at some stage, yes, to give him a breather. He will not go to Turkey,” said Wenger. “I did it with many players before who were a little bit playing every game. I did it with (Thierry) Henry, with (Robin) van Persie and it always helped them to get through without being injured. You have to know when to rest him and when not.”
Is Diaby worth a new contract, or is it time to bid him farewell? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
