What to do with the guy with over 120 appearances for Arsenal?

Abou Diaby was hailed as the new Patrick Vieira when he first came on to the scene. Unfortunately injuries have plagued his whole Arsenal career. Since joining the Gunners in 2006 he has made just over 120 appearances. There has been some recent speculation that Diaby would be offered a new contract, if he comes back fully fit. He is now 28-years-old so questions will be asked on whether Diaby has a long-term future at the club.

Once again he has hardly been involved at all this season, with him only managing to make one appearance. He is currently out recovering from a calf injury, Wenger has not given a timescale of when he would be back. Some positives can be taken from his team-mate Tomas Rosicky who has also had bad luck with injuries, but has recently been able to play a run of games and looks to be back to his best.

One of the positives this season has been the form of Francis Coquelin, who has been Arsenal’s defensive midfielder in the past few months. The defensive midfielder position would probably be where Abou Diaby would play if fit.

Diaby is probably a box-to-box midfielder and although he seems to have the sympathy of Wenger, he is in the last year of his contract and every time he nears full fitness he has some sort of setback. It must be incredibly frustrating and upsetting for Diaby. He has had this questionable injury record since his time in France. There is no doubting his potential ability with his aerial prowess, strength and power but there comes to a point where he will need to prove his fitness soon or be eased out of the Emirates exit door.