Arsene Wenger didn't quite say 'Having Diaby back is like having a new signing' - But he might as well have done.
While the Gunners got lucky with the timing of Kieran Gibbs injury - allowing them to bring in Nacho Monreal, Abou Diaby getting injured is as reliable as Christmas - Only it occurs more frequently.
Having had an exceptional start to the season after six injury plagued years at Arsenal, he went down injured in September 'for a few weeks' and was not seen again until mid-January.
He has been back in the team this month, providing an assist against Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend, and Wenger elected not to sign any new midfielders.
Having sold Alex Song in the summer, and with Diaby's painful injury record, it might have made sense to sign a player like Mohamed Diame at £3.5 million as cover.
Arsenal didn't, so now we await the predictable news that the Frenchman has gone down injured, now it is too late to sign a replacement.
To helps Gooners cope with the soon-to-be forthcoming event, we've set up a bingo game to make your prediction as to when Diaby will suffer his next misfortune:
Hint: Arsenal play Stoke on Saturday!
Vote in our poll and let us know when you think Diaby will be injured?
Will Arsenal regret not signing cover? When is your prediction?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombsGoogle+more stories from Dan Coombs
Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
The Alchemists: Three Central Bankers and a World on Fire
Hubris: How HBOS Wrecked the Best Bank in Britain
