Diarra In Contention

Arsene Wenger has declared that Arsenal new boy Lassana Diarra could play against local rivals Tottenham on Saturday.

The former Chelsea utility player is yet to make a match day squad for Arsenal since he arrived minutes before the close of the transfer window closed on August 31st.

His absence had nothing to do with his ability, and everything to do with the fact that he had not played for Chelsea this season prior to his move, meaning he lacked fitness.

After playing twice for France during the international break, he will be regaining his match sharpness.

According to Wenger, this could see the tough-tackling youngster make the squad for the trip to White Hart Lane.

‘Diarra could be back in the squad, I don’t know,’ said Wenger on Thursday.

‘I will decide that because he played two games over the break.’

‘I was very pleased to get him. I like him as a player he is very good defensively with a good fighting spirit.

‘He is young as well so we can create a unit of very strong players in the same position.

‘He is versatile.

‘He can play right back or left back as well as centre midfield. But I think basically he will be in central midfield.’