Abou Diaby manages 45 minutes for Arsenal Under 21s in latest comeback from injury

Arsenal's injury plagued midfielder Abou Diaby made his latest comeback in an Under 21 game against Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday evening.


In Arsenal Under 21's penultimate game of the season, Diaby managed 45minutes and showed some net touches after being sidelined for 402 days.

The 27-year-old was replaced at half-time after Hector Bellerin had given Arsenal the lead. However, goals from Lewis Baker and John Swift after the interval saw the Blues earn a 2-1 victory - which means Arsenal can no longer finish in the top half of the under 21s table.

Latest comeback: Abou Diaby made his long awaited return for Arsenal after recovering from ligament injury

Latest comeback: Abou Diaby made his long awaited return for Arsenal after recovering from ligament injury

Run out: The injury-plagued Frenchman managed Xminutes in the Under 21 game at the Emirates

Run out: The injury-plagued Frenchman managed Xminutes in the Under 21 game at the Emirates

Still got it: Diaby showed some of the early promise that convinced Arsenal to buy him from Auxerre

Still got it: Diaby showed some of the early promise that convinced Arsenal to buy him from Auxerre

The Frenchman, who has struggled with a succession of injuries since arriving at the club in 2006, has not featured since suffering knee ligament damage against Swansea in March 2013.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger confirmed Diaby had returned to training and could now feature for the first team this season, despite there only being three Premier League games and a FA Cup Final remaining this season.

‘He is back in full training now and available to play,’ Wenger told Arsenal Player.

‘He might play a part of the game for the under-21s.

‘Yes of course [he could play for the first team this season], it depends how well he comes out of the game. 

Sidelined: The Frenchman has not played since suffering ligament damage against Swansea in March 2013

Sidelined: The Frenchman has not played since suffering ligament damage against Swansea in March 2013

Made from glass? Diaby has been hampered by a succession of injuries since arriving at Arsenal in 2006

Made from glass? Diaby has been hampered by a succession of injuries since arriving at Arsenal in 2006

Clock watch: Arsene Wenger insists Diaby could still feature in the first team, despite only several games to go

Clock watch: Arsene Wenger insists Diaby could still feature in the first team, despite only several games to go

'He hasn’t played for a year but physically he is ready to play, completely. It is now just decision-making, getting used to challenges again. He needs a game.

‘Everybody [counted him out] but he is fit and ready.’

Diaby has made just 15 appearances since 2011/12 after suffering a number of injuries.