Abou Diaby set to make first start for Arsenal tonight after 556 days out injured

Arsene Wenger has said Abou Diaby is ready to play again

Abou Diaby will look to make a fresh start for the Gunners on Tuesday night in their Capital One Cup clash against Southampton. Having overcome injury number 40, Diaby was praised by his boss Arsene Wenger for his repeated comebacks despite suffering 40 injuries over a span of 8 years spent at the club.

The French midfielder, 28, was sidelined for all but the final match of last season with anterior cruciate ligament damage and has yet to feature during this campaign.

Wenger said, “Diaby played 90 minutes at Villa Park for the Under-21s last week. He was with us at Villa Park again on Saturday and he will play against Southampton. He’s a giant mentally. To do what he has done, with the severe injuries he had, he comes back every time, is dedicated and he deserves a lot of respect.”

“I’m a huge believer in his quality and I’m sad as well that he couldn’t show it more. If there is some justice, the future will be much better for him.”