In May 2006 Abou Diaby fractured his right ankle against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, an injury which jeopardised his Arsenal career by keeping him out of action for up to eight months.
Since then, the France international has never been far from the treatment table.
Astonishingly enough, the 25-year-old has suffered up to 27 different injuries over the past four and a half years, most of which have stemmed from the original brutal challenge from Dan Smith, who is now retired, at the Stadium of Light all those years back.
Diaby recently underwent surgery on his ankle in the summer, an operation which went smoothly. However, the operation has set him back and will reportedly be out of action until the end of November according to Arsene Wenger, after the midfielder suffered two relapses to his left calf.
But with Arsenal targeting Yann M’ Vila and Esteban Granero in the January transfer window, what does the future hold for Diaby?
Only time will tell, but early indications suggest it doesn’t look bright for the French midfielder.
Tony Merkali for Gunnersphere.com
