Arsenals hopes of securing a top four spot now look to be in serious jeopardy after midfielder Abou Diaby was ruled out for nine months, according to
Mail Online. If it wasn't already looking a struggle for Arsene Wenger to lead his team to their 17th consecutive year in the top four, they now have to accomplish this task without Abou Diaby. The 26-year-old injury-prone midfielder was ruled out for nine months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his life knee during training this Wednesday. Diaby has made just ten appearances for the London club but with Jack Wilshere also being ruled out for another two weeks just his ankle injury, Wenger and his team face a difficult couple of weeks. An Arsenal statement read:
'The club can confirm that Abou Diaby injured his left knee in training on Wednesday and subsequent scans have confirmed that he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament.
It continued:
'Following consultations with specialists, Abou will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future. Abou is expected to be out for around eight to nine months.
Arsenal youngster
Jack Wilshere is also out for another two weeks after not fully recovering from his ankle injury. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League and even if they win their game in hand over forth place Tottenham they will still be one point behind their closest rivals with just eight games remaining.