Wenger plays down Diaby injury concerns

Sep 11, 2012 11:05:00 PM

The Gunners boss has stressed that the midfielder's fitness is not a major concern and has a "small chance" of playing against Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has played down the seriousness of Abou Diaby's latest setback after the midfielder was injured while on international duty with France.


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The 26-year-old’s match-winning display in les Bleus’ opening World Cup 2014 qualifier against Finland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium was blighted by a late muscular concern, just weeks after returning for almost a year out.

Diaby has been plagued by injury since fracturing his ankle against Sunderland in 2006 - but Wenger has moved quickly to allay fears of another spell on the sidelines.

"[The injury] doesn't seem serious to me at all. He has a small chance of playing on Saturday," he told TFI.

France boss Didier Deschamps confirmed the setback earlier in the week, telling Eurosport: "Diaby took a bad shot and he has muscular discomfort. He is not free in his movements."

The marauding midfielder has been a stand-out performer for Arsenal in their strong start to the new Premier League season - as the Gunners have notached a win and two draws without conceding a goal in their opening three games.

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