Abou Diaby.

You remember him, right?

As reports emerged on Tuesday that the midfielder had returned to full training Arsenal released a report from a game between an Arsenal XI and Brentford which featured the French midfielder who played a full half.

Yes, I checked the date – it’s neither an old report nor an early April Fool’s Day prank.

Arsenal won the game 4-0 with goals from Jack Wilshere, Dan Crowley and a brace from Alex Iwobi.

The team also featured Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy as they make their returns from injury while Krystian Bielik and Mathieu Flamini also played a part.

Arteta, Wilshere and Diaby all played the first half before being withdrawn at halftime, a planned move and not one that indicated any problems as the trio are eased back into action.

Debuchy played for 60.

The Arsenal side that played against Brentford:

1. Macey, 2. Debuchy (Maitland-Niles, 60), 6. Bielik (Sheaf, 66), 5. O’Connor, 3. Ormonde-Ottewill (Bola, 46), 4. Flamini (Eyoma, 66), 8. Arteta (Zelalem, 46), 7. Diaby (Willock, 46), 10. Wilshere (Mavididi, 46), 11. Crowley (Dobson, 46), 9. Iwobi (Lipman, 68)

Diaby is out of contract in the summer but Arsene Wenger has repeatedly said if the player can demonstrate an ability to get and stay fit he would renew his deal.

Could this be the first step on that path?

I wouldn’t get too excited.

Given Diaby’s history, as much as we all want him to resurrect what’s left of his career, he has a long way to go yet.