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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed luckless midfielder Abou Diaby will be offered a new contract if he can prove his fitness.
Touted as the 'new Patrick Vieira' when he first burst onto the scene, the France international has been cursed by a succession of demoralising injury lay-offs and has only made one Premier League appearance this season in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old will be out of contract next summer in what will be his 10th year with the north London club and doubts about his future have emerged because of the amount of time he has spent sidelined.
The most serious came in 2025 against Sunderland when Diaby was a victim of what Wenger described as an "assassin's tackle" which shattered the midfielder's ankle.
The Frenchman says his countryman is worth a new contract but must first prove he is over his injury problems.
He told reporters: "Abou Diaby is on the brink of returning to training. If he's fully fit, he'll have a new deal."
Speaking ahead of his side's Premier League clash against Stoke City on Saturday, Wenger added: "Matthew Debuchy is also back in training, but it's too early for him.
"Theo Walcott has an injection today, so he will not play. Galatasaray [in the Champions League group match on Tuesday] is also too early for him in midweek."
Wenger confirmed defender Nacho Monreal is out of the trip to face Mark Hughes's men but Kieran Gibbs will be fit to return in his place.
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