The 25-year-old has suffered a number of injury problems since joining the Gunners from Auxerre in 2006 and this campaign has been no different.

Diaby has been restricted to just three Arsenal appearances, coming off the bench in games against Borussia Dortmund, Fulham and Liverpool.

Arsenal boss Wenger believes Diaby has the potential to be a "massive" player for the club despite his injury woes, which adds to the midfielder's determination to repay some faith.

"I just need to carry on and stay focused every day in my rehabilitation," he told Arsenal Player. "I feel in a good way now.

"Football itself has motivated me, because it's the thing that I love. There is also my family and team-mates, manager, medical staff - they have all helped me.

"It is a big motivation for me that the boss said about me [being a "massive" player]. I want to be thankful to him and show him that he is right."