Injury Rules Arsenal's Abou Diaby Out Until March

Arsene Wenger has revealed Abou Diaby has suffered a fresh injury setback that will sideline the Arsenal midfielder until at least March.

Injuries have been the bane of Diaby since making the move from Auxerre to Arsenal in 2006.

He is unlikely ever to reach the heights expected of him. Once regularly compared to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira on account of his playing style, he is now set for another spell on the sidelines.

Wenger has revealed, in a piece from the Mirror’s John Cross, that Diaby has had problems doing light duties such as jogging and an operation was deemed to be the best option for the 27-year-old.

Confirming the setback, Wenger said:

"

He had a little key hole surgery again, on the knee because his knee blew up every time he did something, so it is now six months after the cruciate.

He could not even jog yet, so with new surgery it is a setback for him. So competitive football cannot be played before March.

"

Arsenal fans certainly feel for Diaby, as Flan wrote on Twitter:

"

Poor Abou Diaby. Must be heartbreaking to be denied doing that which you love doing the most.

— Flan (@Flannyballs) October 19, 2013"

When Diaby returns to action, he will have a little over a year remaining on his Arsenal contract.

Despite the frustration of injuries that have limited Diaby’s progress with the Gunners, Wenger has not ruled out the prospect of the midfielder remaining with the club in the long term.

Commenting on Diaby’s future, per tribalfootball, Wenger said: "He has one and a half years to go on his contract."