Diaby plays first game for over 13 months in Arsenal Under-21 defeat

The France midfielder featured for the first 45 minutes of the defeat to Chelsea Under-21s and could now be in contention to feature for the first-team before the end of the season

Abou Diaby returned to action for the first time in over a year as he featured for 45 minutes in Arsenal Under-21s' defeat to Chelsea Under-21s.

The 27-year-old's last appearance prior to Tuesday's clash in the Under-21 league was against Swansea City back in March 2013, where he suffered knee ligament damage.
Diaby returned on Tuesday night, however, playing the first half of the fixture against Chelsea Under-21s, where goals from Lewis Baker and John Swift claimed a 2-1 win for the Blues.

He was replaced at half-time of the meeting at Emirates Stadium and having seemingly come through 45 minutes of action unscathed, manager Arsene Wenger has suggested he could be close to a first-team return.

When asked if Diaby could still play a part for the Gunners before the end of the season, Wenger told the club's official website: "Yes of course, it depends how well he comes out of the game [against Chelsea Under-21s]. 

"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.

"Everybody [counted him out] but he is fit and ready."

Diaby has made just a handful of appearances for the Gunners over the last couple of years but is targeting a shock late charge for the France squad for the 2014 World Cup.