Tough break for Diaby

Arsenal have confirmed that Abou Diaby has dislocated and broken his ankle.

The promising midfielder was left crestfallen at The Stadium of Light on Monday when a rash challenge by Sunderland substitute Dan Smith caught him towards the end of a comfortable 3-0 victory for Arsenal.

After the game Arsene Wenger was fuming at Smith and what he thought was the overly robust nature of Sunderland's tackling in general.

The French tactician felt Kevin Ball's side went beyond the laws of the game and admitted immediately that he thought Diaby could well have suffered a serious injury.

Wenger's worst fears have now been realised and it will be heartbreak for Diaby, who will now miss Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona.

Despite the fact Diaby left the field on a stretcher Ball defended his player, claiming there was no intent in Smith's lunge for the ball.