Wenger Praises Theo Walcott and Gives Update on Abou Diaby.

The way Theo Walcott handled situations during his nine-month spell on the sidelines has upgraded his profile in the sight of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger.

The former Southampton man returned to action in the U21's game with Blackburn Rovers last week and is set to make a first team comeback soon. As we all wait to see him play alongside his teammates, Wenger has heaved praise on the English international as a result of his philosophical approach to his monstrous injury.

"He had a very difficult time," said Wenger. "He's a very polite and social guy, but behind that, he's mentally strong as well.

"For what he has gone through in the last nine months, you gain even more respect for him, because he had some difficult times and always responded very positively. He's got a young baby, where they had some problems, but he has done extremely well."

Another player who has spent much time on the treatment table is Abou Diaby who injury has marred a large portion of his footballing career. He is currently out with a calf problem and will not play against Sunderland (the same team against whom he suffered his first serious injury as an Arsenal player back then in 2006) on Saturday.

"He is not in the squad because he has a small calf problem," explained Wenger. "He has little injuries at the moment, never anything bad, but he has been out for such a long time that when he plays it takes him a long time to recover.

"It’s much worse for Abou because Theo has not gone through so many injuries. You wonder where Abou gets the strength back to come back and work harder and harder and harder.

"When you come in in the morning he’s already in the gym to prepare. He has done extremely well - you cannot fault his attitude at all. You can only admire him for that. He is always in my mind. His first injury at Sunderland in the last minute - that was a huge blow in his career."