Published: 24 April 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

A FAMILIAR face could be in line for a shock recall to the Arsenal squad on Monday night when struggling Newcastle United visit the Emirates Stadium.

Abou Diaby has not pulled on a Gunners’ shirt since he started the 2-0 win at Swansea City on March 16 2013, after suffering a serious knee injury.

But having managed to get 45 minutes under his belt playing for the club’s Under-21s on Tuesday, France international Diaby is tipped by Arsene Wenger for a return to the first team squad.  “He is back in full training now and available to play,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“He played a part of the game for the Under-21s so yes, of course, now he could play for the first team this season.

“He hasn’t played for a year but physically he is ready to play, completely. It is now just decision-making and getting used to challenges again. He needs a game.

“Everybody counted him out,” Wenger added. “But he is fit again and ready.”

Meanwhile Wenger insists that Arsenal have “much more oil in the engine room” now that players are returning from injury and rediscovering their form.

They never really had to escape from second gear on Sunday as two goals from Lukas Podolski and a neat finish from Aaron Ramsey wrapped up a 3-0 win at Hull.