Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has eased fears over his latest injury setback by revealing he expects to return to action within 10 days.
Gunners midfielder laments 'fragile' reputation
Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has eased fears over his latest injury setback by revealing he expects to return to action within 10 days.
The Frenchman made his comeback from a long-term hamstring problem early in the second half against Liverpool on Saturday only to suffer another knock which sent him limping from the pitch in the 80th minute.
Ahead of the 2-1 win on Merseyside, Diaby had managed just 26 minutes of first-team action for the Gunners this season.
But the 25-year-old expects to return in just over a week, telling
L'Equipe: "I had a little worry at Liverpool, but everything is fine.
"I just have a grade one injury, with no muscle or fibre harmed. It is a minor problem.
"If everything goes off smoothly, at the end of the week I could start again running. One week, 10 days of rest, that is nothing. But I won't take any risks."
Monday night's Premier League visit of Newcastle is likely to come too soon for Diaby but he could return for the Gunners' trip to Everton the following week.
The former Auxerre man, who has been plagued by various fitness problems over recent seasons, admits it is frustrating to be labelled an injury-prone player.
Annoying
"I have been injured, that is a fact. When you get that label it is annoying," he said.
"But I will get through. I know I am not fragile. I've had three bouts of surgery on the same ankle.
"My body has changed and I have to find a new well-balance. I need to mix strength and elasticity to not get injured anymore."
Diaby admits his fitness problems made him question whether to continue his career in the past but feels that is behind him now.
Asked if he ever thought about hanging up his boots, he replied: "No. Not recently.
"Indeed, two or three years ago it was difficult and it passed through my mind. But not again since that moment. I believe it is fate."
