Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed he is attempting to adapt Abou Diaby’s game after the midfielder suffered a raft of injuries.
The 28-year-old, who joined the club from Auxerre in 2006, has made just 16 Premier League appearances in the past three seasons in a constant battle against fitness problems.
Diaby started in the 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the League Cup on Tuesday and as Wenger looks to gradually reintroduce him to the fold, the manager said his compatriot may have to mould himself as a holding player rather than the box-to-box midfielder he was in his prime.
“I [will] try to transform him because he was injured,” he said.
“He has the physical potential to win the challenges, [and] to face the game will be easier for him than to play back to goal with the injuries he had.
“I [will] try to develop him in a deeper role. I think he can do it, he can be very interesting, he has all the attributes.
“He must want to love it as well because he’s more of an offensive-minded player.
“It was difficult for him against Southampton. But he got 60 minutes, he was not injured and at some stage he has to play.
“He was not bad, was acceptable as a performance, but he tired after an hour.”
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.