Released Diaby can carry on training with Arsenal

ABOU DIABY is set to continue training at Arsenal over the summer as he bids to revive his career after being released by the club,

The 29-year-old France international appeared on the Premier League’s released players list yesterday but his contract does not formally expire until June 30.

Players can still be offered an extension despite appearing on the list. Although the Gunners are yet to make an official announcement, it is unlikely Diaby will be given the chance to extend his stay after an injury-ravaged career in which he has made just 124 appearances in nine years at the club.

However, Standard Sport understands Diaby will be given the chance to use Arsenal’s London Colney training base for the rest of the month and into the summer as he bids to revive his career.

Diaby is determined to play regularly again and has not completely given up hope of convincing manager Arsene Wenger to offer him a pay-as-you-play contract.

Fellow Frenchman Mathieu Flamini began training at the club in the summer of 2013 with similar aspirations and Wenger decided to re-sign the midfielder.

However, Diaby would have to consistently impress in a number of friendly matches for any club to believe his body can withstand regular first-team football after a total of 42 injuries affecting areas including his ankles, knees, calves, thighs and hamstrings.