Despite finding form after returning to the Arsenal team at the back end of the season Abou Diaby’s injury during the 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City mean that the French international has been ruled out of the French European championships squad.
Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger announced that the calf strain was more severe than first anticipated and that the player would not recover in time to play in the tournament.
This will cap off a frustrating year for the 26 year old who has been restricted to just four appearances for his club due to problematic ankle and hamstrings injuries which have plagued the midfielder for the last two years. Although Diaby had hoped of returning to fitness in time to make himself available for ex- Manchester United Legend Laurent Blanc’s France squad, Manager Arsene Wenger has said that “It would be unrealistic to think he can go to the European Championship. He has had no continuity this season. It’s unrealistic to imagine that he can play in six weeks at the Euros.”
Diaby had been one of Arsenals more consistent performers before his injuries and hopefully with a long summer without football, Diaby could return for the start of the premiership season at full fitness. With Ramsey, Arteta and Rosicky all having strong ends to the season and with England international Jack Wilshire returning from injury, Diaby will struggle to work his way back into the first team straight away and any further injuries may mean that he may be out of contention for some time to come. Should Wenger have all his squad fit come the start of the next campaign, he will have some difficult decisions to make with squad selection.