The news has broken very recently that Abou Diaby is set to miss France’s next game due to injury. This has naturally created a lot of worry, as Diaby’s injury problems are well documented and Arsenal can’t really do with him having a long period out, nor can he.

Don't panic

But fortunately Didier Deschamps, the French national team manager clarified the problem is a “small hint, and a little muscle problem”, the kind that makes you sit out a bit of training and miss a game as a precaution.

What’s also worth pointing out is that he mentioned a “hint”. This most probably means that Arsene Wenger dropped a sneaky note asking that Diaby sit out the next game, so he’s fresh for Southhampton, as playing 2 games in 4 days is tough for anyone, let alone, well, Diaby.

He may have a small niggle, but that’s normal if you’re returning from a long injury, it’s not a sign of his fragility, which he insists is non-existent. It happened to Olivier Giroud as well, he sat out the last game and is now fine. The fact it happened to Diaby is just unfortunate timing.

Chill guys, it’s fine.

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