Thursday 25 September 2014 14:43, UK
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he is planning to turn injury-plagued Abou Diaby into a defensive midfielder in a bid to prolong his career.
The 28-year-old has been dogged with injuries his entire career and has made just 41 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners over the last four seasons.
Diaby made his latest comeback from injury as he started his first game of the season in the midweek Capital One Cup defeat by Southampton.
The Frenchman played 67 minutes against Southampton and Wenger believes converting him from a box-to-box midfielder to a defensive role would suit Diaby.
"I will try to transform him because he was injured and has the physical potential to win the challenges," noted Wenger.
"To face the game will be easier for him than to play back to goal with the injuries he had.
"I'll try to develop him in a deeper role. I think he can do it, he can be very interesting, has all the attributes,
"He must love it as well because he's more of an offensive minded player."