Arsène Wenger’s Continued Faith in Abou Diaby Amid Injury Struggles
Abou Diaby’s career at Arsenal has been severely hampered by injuries, but despite his limited appearances in recent months, manager Arsène Wenger continues to show unwavering faith in the French midfielder. Diaby, who has been plagued by a series of long-term injuries, is once again nearing the end of his contract with Arsenal, which expires in June. Given his injury record, the Gunners face a dilemma over offering him an extension.
While Arsenal does not want to see Diaby leave, the club faces challenges in providing him with a conventional contract extension. The solution may lie in a performance-based deal, where Diaby’s compensation would be tied to the number of matches he plays. The question, however, remains whether the midfielder would be willing to accept such an arrangement, and whether Wenger can successfully convince him to stay under these terms.
Wenger has consistently praised Diaby’s ability and character, acknowledging that his problems have been more physical than mental. “Diaby’s problem is not related to his mentality but rather to his injuries,” Wenger said in an interview with The Telegraph. “He is a player for whom I have a lot of respect. Every time he comes back, he gets injured and starts all over again. He was destroyed by a bad tackle, which restricted the mobility of his ankle.”
Despite the repeated setbacks, Wenger has repeatedly stated that if Diaby can overcome his injury troubles, he will keep him at the club. “If he comes back, I will keep him. I have always believed in him,” Wenger added, reinforcing his trust in the player’s potential.
As Diaby approaches the end of his current deal, Arsenal faces a critical decision regarding his future, with both the club and the player hoping for a fair chance to overcome the obstacles that have hindered his career. The situation remains fluid, but Wenger’s belief in Diaby continues to be a source of hope for both the player and the club.