After being on and off the treatment table for the past few years, Abou Diaby had finally got a full pre season under his belt, “for the first time in ages”.

With injuries to other 1^st team midfielders and the season fast approaching, Diaby looked set to return to the midfield 3 for the first time in over a year.

With the opening 2 games ending in goalless draws, fans questioned the lack of creativity in the side. These thoughts were echoed by Wenger as he also felt the side weren’t creating enough chances.

Diaby had looked understandably rusty in both games and some started to lose their patience with the France international.

However, after putting in a man of the match performance in the 2-0 victory at Liverpool, things started to look up.

Since then he has been called back up to France team for their World Cup qualifiers and subsequently scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 victory over Finland.

Little muscular problem

However, in the afternoon prior to France’s second qualifier in 4 days, Diaby has been ruled out with a “little muscular problem” and has returned to London.

This news sounds very worrying for Arsenal fans, especially with Diaby looking like his former self. However, I must stress that it is only a precaution. Neither party wants to take the risk of him getting seriously injured.

Options

He has a chance of being fit for the Southampton game but Wenger could go with Coquelin/Ramsey if he isn’t 100%. It would then allow time for Diaby to get fit for the City game whilst giving some first team action for one of two young, hungry players.

We all know that Coquelin has been chomping at the bit for some game time after hearing his quotes this week, saying that if he doesn’t see himself as a bigger part of the team then he may look to move on.

Not signing a defensive midfielder to replace the loss of Alex Song emphasises the faith that Wenger has in the U21 French international and with the talent the boy has, we need to keep him. With 30 year old, Mikel Arteta currently occupying the holding role, Coquelin could see himself being involved more, sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, after a string decent games for Team GB at the Olympics and a few bright sub appearances for Arsenal, Aaron Ramsey will be keen to show off his potential and prove his haters wrong.

Whichever one gets the nod I am confident they will put in a good performance and keep the momentum going.

What if?

Yes. What if Diaby’s injury is serious and he is ruled out for a long period of time? Do we have enough strength in depth in the midfield for us to challenge this season?

Firstly I must stress that Diaby has pulled out of the France team AS A PRECAUTION. Though, if the injury were serious, it would be a big loss. His recent performances have been a vital part of the team’s good start.

However, with the two players I have previously mentioned, as well as the return of midfielders Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Frimpong I believe that we would be able to cope.

As I said it would be a loss losing a class player like Diaby but it would be manageable – as long we suffered no other injuries!

Jack Wilshere is a top class player and has the potential to be one of the world’s best. We missed him massively last season and to even think of a midfield 3 of Arteta, Wilshere and Cazorla is simply mouth watering.

I end by urging fans not to panic. We would have a strong midfield even if Diaby were to get injured. We have strong, technical players who want to play for the team, and at the end of the day, that’s all we can ask for.

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