Diaby Set For Arsenal Start?

Abou Diaby could be set for an emotional return to the Arsenal team tonight as Arsenal take on Spu*s in the League Cup semi final first leg.

The midfield general suffered a fractured and dislocated ankle after Dan Smith thought it necessary to lunge at Abou as the ball rolled out of play in Arsenal`s game at Sunderland last season.

After the full extent of the injury was known Wenger revealed that Diaby may never have been able to play again. But the Frenchman displayed some of that ‘bulldog spirit` that only English players have (allegedly) and fought back in the face of adversity to recover from his injuries.

Diaby came on as a late sub in the 6-3 mauling of Liverpool but it is though that he may now be set for his first start since the injury over 9 months ago.

Speaking ahead of the Arsenal Reserves V Tottenham first team Wenger said: “It was such a sad day when he was kicked out of the game at Sunderland and the surgeon told me it was a serious injury.

“He was optimistic after the op but there were problems with his rehabilitation and he had to have more surgery on his knee.

“It has been nine months out and he has had to be very patient. He`s come back mentally and physically stronger.”

Wenger isn`t one for comparing players, he refuses to compare the likes of Van Persie and Walcott with Bergkamp and Henry but Le Boss has made an exception:

“We`ve missed Diaby because he gives us something the other players don`t have.

“He can give us that kind of Patrick
Vieira presence in the physical challenges.

“He reminds me of Patrick in his running style, behaviour and the strength of his tackles.”