Arsene Wenger’s Faith Key Factor for Returning Midfielder Abou Diaby

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby believes it is crucial for him to remain fit for the entire season and thinks that a proper pre-season is helping him to gain confidence.

The French midfielder has been dogged with injury issues in the past and various niggles kept him out of action for the entire 2011/12 season.

However, tactician Arsene Wenger has great belief in the midfielder and Diaby opined that the manager’s recent comments have instilled confidence in him.

“That makes me feel confident – it is always nice to have the confidence of the manager”, said Diaby while talking with Chinese fans in a chat conducted by Arsenal.qq.com.

The French manager had praised the ability of the former Auxerre man earlier and commented that “he is the first player who would be on the France team-sheet in midfield when fit".

Yet, the midfielder knows that even with the coach’s support, he needs to remain healthy for a considerable period in order to cement a place in the Gunners line-up and to gain the confidence of the fans.

"It is definitely important – I need to be fit in order to complete the whole season", Diaby asserted. "It is so important that I stay fit because last season I was injured many times and couldn’t play much, so this year is crucial”, he added.

The 26-year-old also expressed his relief at being able to play a full part in pre-season and insisted that he had even taken reconditioning sessions during the holidays to prepare.

"I’m fit now, I have been training since the beginning of pre-season and also did a rehabilitation session during my holidays – so now I feel great”.

Diaby concluded that all his performance related issues have also usually been generated due to lack of fitness and consistent game time, meaning his main goal this season is to remain fit.

“My main target this season is to be fit and if I am then everything will be good for me”, said the Frenchman.

Fans at the Emirates Stadium will be hoping that the Frenchman can stay healthy for the entire season and repay the faith shown in him by Wenger.