The Mirror are reporting that Abou Diaby has suffered a set-back in his recovery from a cruciate injury and is out until next March.

The French midfielder ruptured his knee ligaments last season but was expected to make a comeback towards the end of this year. However, further surgery means he’s going to be out for longer, and his chances of playing any part in the current season are slim at best.

By the time he’d get into full training, and find any kind of match fitness, it would surely be too late to play a part.

Arsene Wenger told reporters today, “He had a little key hole surgery again, on the the knee because his knee blew up every time he did something so it is now six months after the cruciate.

“He could not even jog yet so with new surgery it is a set back for him so competitive football cannot be played before March.”

It’s yet another blow for the midfielder whose career has become synonymous with injury and spells on the sideline.

While there’s obviously widespread acceptance that many of his problems stem from the horrific injury inflicted on him at Sunderland, it seems that the Arsenal manager has taken steps to deal with his many absences.

Whereas in the past we might have been left short, the midfield is now a place of real competition and quality.

In which case, we really should just wish Abou all the best, and maybe one day he can get a good spell of games under his belt without another injury.

It probably won’t be for Arsenal, but I doubt anyone would begrudge him a good spell somewhere else.