Arsenal midfielder Diaby doubtful for France's clash with Belarus

Arsenal midfielder Diaby doubtful for France clash with Belarus

Sep 10, 2012 4:40:00 PM

Didier Deschamps has indicated that the Parisian, who was sidelined for the majority of last season with injury, is feeling discomfort after picking up a knock against Finland

France boss Didier Deschamps has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby is doubtful for their second World Cup qualifier against Belarus at Stade de France on Tuesday.

Les Bleus won 1-0 at Finland in their opening fixture on Friday evening as the Gunner scored the winner and starred with a sterling display.

However, the French head coach raised concerns about the 26-year-old's fitness after the fixture, with exhaustion his main worry after using all his changes before realising the Parisian needed a rest.


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The 43-year-old has now indicated that the former Auxerre man is also struggling from a knock and is unlikely to recover in time to feature against the eastern European side, insisting that, if there are any doubts, he will not play.

Deschamps told reporters: "It will be difficult for him to be available for tomorrow's game.

"He took a bad knock and felt a muscle discomfort. He knows himself and maybe a little more than everyone [if he is fit].

"Before considering whether he has recovered from the injury to take the field, we should not have any concerns on the massage table."

Diaby's return to the national side came after an impressive display for Arsene Wenger's men in a 2-0 win over Liverpool, after he managed just four substitute appearances in the Premier League in an injury-riddled season last term.

And team-mates know how vital he is to the national side and are hoping the midfield enforcer can remain free of injury.

Rio Mavuba his international compatriot added: "I hope he will go on like that for a long time because he is essential to the team,".