• Premier League

Wenger to 'transform' Diaby at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger wants to "transform" Abou Diaby into a holding midfielder at Arsenal following his latest comeback from injury.

Diaby made his first start for 18 months as Arsenal were knocked out of the League Cup with a 2-1 defeat at home to Southampton on Tuesday and came though 67 minutes unscathed.

Abou Diaby played 67 minutes against Southampton © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Wenger refuses to accept blame for failing to sign defender
  
• News: Wenger reminds Spurs of Arsenal's superiority
  
• News: No room for hairdryer treatment, hints Wenger
  
• News: Arsenal paid Kroenke's company £3m
  
• News: Mertesacker and Gibbs back for derby
  

Since signing in January 2006, Diaby is estimated to have suffered more than 40 injuries and has played just 16 Premier League games in three seasons, but Wenger is relying on his compatriot to adapt to a deeper-lying role.

"I try to transform him because he was injured and has the physical potential to win the challenges, to face the game will be easier for him than to play back to goal with the injuries he had," said Wenger.

"I 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."

Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are Wenger's main options in defensive midfield as he opted not to strengthen the position in the summer. He is also reluctant to use Jack Wilshere in such a role despite him playing there for England.

Diaby was understandably off the pace on Tuesday but Wenger still took encouragement from his compatriot's display.

"It was difficult for him [against Southampton]," Wenger added. "But he got 60 minutes, he was not injured and at some stage he has to play.

"He had 90 minutes at Villa last week, played 60 minutes tonight, was not bad, was acceptable as a performance, but he tired after an hour."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd