{"id":3708,"date":"2014-04-23T04:59:53","date_gmt":"2014-04-23T04:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/africanexaminer.com\/sports\/?p=3708"},"modified":"2014-04-23T05:00:49","modified_gmt":"2014-04-23T05:00:49","slug":"french-midfielder-returns-to-full-training-since-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/africanexaminer.com\/sports\/football\/french-midfielder-returns-to-full-training-since-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal Midfielder Returns To Full Training Since 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Arsenal celebrated the return of midfield star Abou Diaby Tuesday after the 27-year-old returned to the pitch, donning a Gunners shirt for the first time since March 2013.Diaby was named in the under-21s squad to face Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium after Arsene Wenger backed him to make a return to the Arsenal first-team before the end of the season.<\/p>\n<\/header>\n
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Diaby last played for the North london side last year in their 2-0 triumph against Swansea and has been struggling for fitness due to a knee ligament injury ever since.But Wenger believes the French international could be on the verge of a return.<\/p>\n

“He is back in full training now and available to play,” Wenger said.<\/p>\n

“Yes of course, he could play for the first team this season, it depends how well he comes out of the game.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

“He hasn’t played for a year but physically he is ready to play, completely.”It is now just decision-making, getting used to challenges again. He needs a game.<\/p>\n

“Everybody counted him out but he is fit and ready.”<\/p>\n

And fans made their feelings clear on Twitter, backing Diaby on his return to action for Arsenal.<\/p>\n

“I Love Abou Diaby’s spirit. So many injuries have tried to ruin\u00a0him, yet still coming back stronger,” One fan wrote.<\/p>\n

While another added: “And just like that, Abou Diaby is playing competitive football again. Good luck tonight!”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n