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Diaby - I'll come back to a good level

Abou Diaby
Abou Diaby... a doubt for Sunday's derby

By Isaac Moore 

Abou Diaby is convinced he can regain his best form when he returns to the first team.

The French midfielder had surgery after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in March and is expected to return later this season.

After spending six weeks recovering from his operation, Diaby completed seven weeks of rehabilitation at home in France but is now back at the training ground and remains full of optimism.

"I'm always confident because I know my ability and I know that as soon as I'm fit I can play at a good level," Diaby told Arsenal.com. "I always keep those references in my mind and I work every day to reach that level.

The 27-year-old showed signs of his class last season with a number of impressive performances, including a man-of-the-match display in the 2-0 league victory at Liverpool last September.

"It was very frustrating because I did a lot of work to become fully fit last season and I wanted to play a full season. Unfortunately, two injuries kept me away from the pitch.

"Emotionally it wasn't good because you think in a bad way but I had the support of my friends, family and the people at the Club and that gave me a lot of hope.

"I'm working back to my best level and beyond. I want to catch the train and bring something to the team. That's my objective."