ABOU DIABY IS preparing himself for a first appearance in 506 days.

The French midfielder, who moved to Marseille from Arsenal last summer, has been included in OM’s squad for their Coupe de France assignment with Trelissac on Thursday.

The 29-year-old endured a traumatic time with the Gunners – his final two seasons, in particular, were severely hampered by injury.

Since 16th March 2013, Diaby has managed just 83 minutes of competitive action.

There was a cruciate ligament rupture to contend with but Diaby has also picked up a litany of muscle injuries – including calf and thigh problems.

From his nine and a half years in North London, Diaby missed 391 days through injury.

It’s been difficult for him since arriving in Marseille too and he’s had to wait over six months to get back to full fitness since his latest setback.

On Wednesday, his coach Michel, said Diaby had got through ten training sessions and had also been doing extra work with the club’s medical staff.

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