Arsene Wenger could have midfielder Abou Diaby back in midfield contention over the next few weeks after the Frenchman has recovered sufficiently to train.
Diaby has been one of the major absentees from Arsenal’s midfield over the last few seasons. A succession of injuries has seen the Frenchman made just a handful of appearance during this period. He has missed the whole of the season due to injury, but there are some positivity with the midfielder set to return before the end of the season.
Ahead of the FA Cup semi-final at Wigan, Wenger has confirmed that Diaby is back in training and that fans can expect him to be making an appearance before the end of the campaign. Several injuries in the midfield over the last few weeks have cost Arsenal dearly, as they have dropped out of the running for the Premier league title. They are also close to slipping out of contention for the top four race as well.
The recent 3-0 defeat at the hands of Everton has taken their destiny out of the hands. Despite this, Wenger is staying relaxed about the season. In the last three seasons, Diaby has made just 15 appearances in the league, which shows the extent of the injury troubles he has been plagued with during this period.
“Diaby is back to full training next week. He could be available soon, maybe in a couple of weeks,” stated the Arsenal manager on the club’s official site. The FA Cup presents a great opportunity for Arsenal to end the trophy drought, as they will be facing teams below them in the table and even in the division in the semifinals, and possibly the finals. Wigan, though, will be confident ahead of the match given that they knocked out holders Manchester City in the run-up to the semi-final.