Abou Diaby Suffers Fresh Arsenal Setback but Jack Wilshere Closes in on Return

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has suffered yet another setback in his attempts to return from injury that has ruled him out for the last 13 months.

The Frenchman has been plagued by injury during his time in north London but looked to be edging closer to a return from a long term knee ligament problem after completing 45 minutes for the Gunners' Under-21 side on Tuesday night.

Arsene Wenger indicated Diaby would have a role to play in the club's final three games of the season but those plans may have to be shelved after he suffered a "minor setback" that will see him miss the visit of Newcastle United.

The Gunners boss told a press conference: "He played one half (for the Under-21s). How far away he is is difficult to say but he had a little groin problem after the game so will not be available for Monday."

Wenger had brighter news regarding Jack Wilshere's progress and remains confident the England international will be playing again before the end of the season after fracturing his foot in March.

"Jack is progressing well," Wenger said. "He's still on course to be in our team for the last couple of games."

The Arsenal boss also confirmed that Thomas Vermaelen will be available once again after missing last week's 3-0 victory over FA Cup final opponents Hull City, although Kieran Gibbs remains on the side-lines.

Newcastle will travel to the Emirates with Loic Remy likely to return to the starting line-up. The Frenchman had missed the club's last six games before returning as a substitute against Swansea City last week.

With his loan stay at St James' Park set to expire soon the striker's future remains uncertain but his European ambitions suggest a return to Tyneside is unlikely.

Arsenal themselves have been credited with interest in the Queens Park Rangers player but Wenger explained the club's focus remains on their end of season run-in and not transfer targets.

"He's a good striker. Look at the moment, we are focused on our end of season, not of transfers."