France Midfielder Abou Diaby Forced To Withdraw From Ireland Clash

France have suffered another set-back in their preparations for their World Cup play-off second leg against the Republic of Ireland as Abou Diaby has left their Clairefontaine training base due to injury.

Already carrying a problem when he convened with les Bleus last week prior to their 1-0 Croke Park victory, the Arsenal man has returned to London due to a problem with his left calf, the FFF (French FA) have announced.

The Gunners were not happy about Diaby's initial inclusion in the squad, claiming that it will be the end of November before their player is fit.

Head coach Raymond Domenech has had a bad 24 hours on the injury front, with Olympique Lyonnais battler Jeremy Toulalan and Barcelona defender Eric Abidal withdrawing because of adductor and thigh problems respectively.

Diaby would have been unlikely to feature from the outset against the Boys in Green. Toulalan, however, would have played in the centre of Domenech’s midfield, while Abidal has been used as a starting centre-back by the controversial coach in recent games.

Les Bleus were already shorn of Bayern Munich talisman Franck Ribery, who did his best to carry the side through a mediocre group stage campaign. In addition, Diaby’s Arsenal club-mate, Gael Clichy, is injured, while Stade Rennais’ Jimmy Briand, a regular in French squads, is recovering from a long-term knee problem.

Domenech has elected not to replace any of the injured parties by calling up an additional presence.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com