Abou Diaby: Expected to be out of action until Christmas

The France international suffered knee ligament damage in March and is expected to be sidelined until Christmas.

Diaby has been a regular in the treatment room throughout his time at Emirates Stadium, preventing him from taking in prolonged spells in the Gunners first team.

He hopes to be able to put those troubles behind him as he closes on another comeback, with Arsene Wenger having putting considerable faith in the 27-year-old.

Diaby is currently working his way back to full fitness at the French national training centre in Clairefontaine and is expecting to step up his recovery over the coming weeks.

He told L'Equipe: "I have come off the crutches. Now I have to start walking again!

"I will start running again in a few weeks.

"I want to take my time with everything to ensure that it all goes smoothly."