• Premier League

Diaby to miss three weeks

ESPN staff
October 2, 2012
Abou Diaby had made an impressive start to the season until injury struck © PA Photos
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has received a boost with the news that Abou Diaby will miss only three weeks through injury.

Diaby was substituted with a thigh problem during the first half of the Gunners' match with Chelsea on Saturday, which they lost 2-1. After the game, Wenger said Diaby would be out for a "minimum" of three weeks.

It has now emerged that the France international will be sidelined for no longer than the minimum period Wenger envisaged.

Diaby is on course to miss Wednesday's Champions League clash with Olympiakos, as well as Premier League games at Norwich and West Ham. There is an international break after the West Ham fixture, which limits the number of Arsenal games he could have sat out.

Schalke's visit to Emirates Stadium on October 24 could be a potential return date for the midfielder.

Diaby has made an impressive start to the season with Arsenal, putting in a particularly eye-catching showing in the 2-0 victory away to Liverpool.

Aaron Ramsey, who started wide on the right in recent weeks against Manchester City and Chelsea, is likely to deputise in a central area while Diaby is absent.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta faces a fitness test ahead of the Olympiakos clash, while goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is still at least two weeks away from a return.

Meanwhile, Wenger said of Jack Wilshere's comeback on Monday with Arsenal Under-21s: "We are pleased, but we will take it slowly. He is exceptionally happy."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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