The last time that Abou Diaby was fit and able to make a decent contribution to the Arsenal cause, was nearly two years ago, at the start of the 2012-13 season. The Frenchman started all three of the Gunners opening games and bagged himself a Man of the Match award as we beat Liverpool at Anfield.

But therein lay part of the problem for Diaby and Arsenal, because the lack of options in midfield forced Arsene Wenger to rely too heavily on the Frenchman and that caused his injury problems to flare up again. The 28-year old’s luck then deserted him again with a cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for over a year, making his only appearance as a sub in the final Premier League game.

But Diaby has had the summer to build his fitness and played the second 45 minutes of our first pre-season game against Boreham Wood on Saturday. He spoke on Arsenal.com about his happiness at being able to have another pre-season, which he hopes this time will lead to a useful and effective season for him in the Arsenal first team.

The midfielder said, “I think it was good occasion for us to get prepared. It was a good game against a good team, it was a lovely day as well so we are happy. It was very hot but it was hot for everybody – we just tried to play our game.

“I haven’t done that [play 45 minutes] for one year so I was really happy to be back in a normal game. I hope it’s going to stay like this.

“Pre-season has been really good so far, we still have three weeks and I hope to complete 90 per cent of it and that will be a successful one for me.”

We know that Diaby can be a great player and a fantastic one to have in the squad. And now that the midfield part of that squad is much stronger, with Flamini, Ramsey, Arteta, Chamberlain and Wilshere, as well as the likes of young Gedion Zelalem coming through, Wenger should be able to use him more sparingly, which will hopefully mean that he is available to the Gunners when we really need him. And that, in turn, will give the likes of Ramsey a chance to rest as well.

Do you think Diaby will finally have an effective season with Arsenal?

5 thoughts on “Diaby on course to finally shine for Arsenal?

  1. for even if Diaby is 100/ fit I do not thank that he can help Arsenal because I have seen him must of the time is a man that kills the pace of team whenever is on the peach. And as a matter of fact I hate seeing him a arsenal I do not hate him as a personal but seeing him playing for arsenal.

    1. Trugoon- now y Would u say such a thing bout diaby??? Giv the geezer a chance to be injury free before slating him….

  2. Rubbish. Diaby is a match winner. A player who, in an instant can change the game in our favour.
    There are times when fast, close passing gets totally out of control and it is then that the power and majesty of a fit Diaby comes into play.
    He will surely be used sparingly and I hope and trust that this season will prove his worth as well as the confidence in him that has been displayed by medicos and Manager alike.

    1. Love hearin dat bro as I totally agree wid u diaby us class wen fit so I dunno why dat other dude was saying…

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