Abou Diaby is thought to have been the Arsenal player involved in the tackle that resulted in Samir Nasri breaking his leg on the second day of Arsenal's pre-season training session in Austria.
With the sort of injury blow that has become routine for the Gunners, although it is unusual for even an Arsenal player to suffer such a severe setback almost a full month before the new season begins, Nasri has been ruled out until October with a broken fibula.
The Daily Mail reports that, 'The France midfielder was carried from the pitch by Arsenal physio Colin Lewin and club doctor Gary O'Driscoll after fracturing a fibula in a challenge believed to have been made by Abou Diaby.'
The Sun also identifies the luckless Diaby as being involved in the tackle.
Although Tomas Rosicky made his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt for almost 18 months on Saturday, the loss of Nasri is a considerable blow to Arsene Wenger. It was thought that he was considering using Nasri on the left of midfield so that he could deploy Andrei Arshavin centrally. That plan may now have to be jettisoned, at least until Rosicky is fully fit again. Diaby himself would be another option, as would Carlos Vela.
According to The Guardian, Nasri's enforced absence may force Wenger to find an emergency solution in the transfer market. 'The Arsenal manager was already in the market for a midfielder and his search is likely to intensify with the loss of another player from that department,' it reports.
Your Comments
flashpanther
"Nasria can be replaced while he is injured. Not an area we are lacking. Only player we are missing is the strong tackling Dynamo midfielder. If only Lassana Diarra 'Lass' could have waited his time... he'd have been such a key player for us alongisde Fabregas."
t3gunner4life
"it was jus an accident. i dont know why these so called fans are on the teams back all ready an the season isn't even near starting. we have a good squad an only need a DM or a CB an move toure into midfield. get well soon nasri!!"
SomersetGunner
"SO Wenger's now in the market for another midfielder??? Probably another 5ft. 6ins. "playmaker" when it is obvious to one and all that we need somebody with a bit of "presence". Remember the Vieira - Petit axis.....nobody messed with them; and even hyper-critical Alan Hansen was in awe!! Arsene...we need a Matthieu Flamini...how much would it have cost to keep him?? How much HAS it cost to lose him??!!"
arsenalmit32
"injury play major role in arsenal"
Cesc_Bomb
"Wenger_hole - You are the only one with an ounce of sense. Diaby is not such a bad player and can be very good on his day. It's clear that a lot of people are using Diaby as an excuse for Arsenal's failings and F365 have used this article for all the idiots to stick the boot in. They've got what they wanted. Nasri will miss around 6 weeks of football, it's not the crisis some are making out."
sjseery
"There used to be a label "Lucky Arsenal" stuck on the Gunners in the old days. Where has all this luck gone? When players get injured now all these injuries seem to be serious long term tragedies. I believe we have a good competitive squad now, only problem is keeping them all fit at the same time.
Sean S"
Wenger_hole
"I almost feel dirty saying this, but I like Diaby. I always have. Played in the right position, with a bit of consistency (and bulk, which he's working on) he could be bloody good. It would be nice if people didn't use this accident to beat him (or Wenger, or our excellent squad) over the head with. Wait for the start of the season before you all begin to despair? Fairweather f*cktards."
Kyriisgay
"Diaby lol this guy is a funny mutherfunker. Its the only way he will get first team football!"
goodolddays
"Diaby is not an option on the left. He's not an option anywhere.
Remember when we used to have proper wingers on the left wing? Marwood, Limpar, Overmars, Pires? Everytime we won the league we had a quality left winger with flair and pace who could create and score. Now we seem to be putting central midfielders on the wing, and not even very good ones. Arsene should look back at what made his title winning sides and see the quality he had on the flanks. He seems to have forgotten."
Cesc_Bomb
"Stokie_Rich - I see you're at your tedious best, using every story as an attack on Wenger. Wenger has even buried the hatchet with Pulis so the least you can do is get over it."
All comments on this story