Arsenal are prepared to carry on standing by their man according to the latest reports.

With Abou Diaby out of contract in the summer and yet to feature for the first team squad since his solitary league cup appearance against Southampton in September, most of the talk has revolved around a pay-as-you-play deal should he prove his fitness before the season is out.

Now it seems like the club will keep their door open for the Frenchman regardless, allowing him to stay at the club to use their facilities to try and get his career on track.

It is testament, not only to the club, but to Arsene Wenger’s affection for Diaby that he is so reluctant to close the door on the player he signed as a teenager. It also speaks volumes for the respect that they have for the way he has worked tirelessly to try and resurrect his career that has been so badly damaged by Dan Smith’s initial challenge and a number of heavy ones after that (looking at you, Chelsea).

With just 16 appearances in the league over the last four seasons, many clubs would have discarded him long before now and regardless of what you think of the situation, it makes me immensely proud that Arsenal have stood by him and are prepared to continue to do so for a player who was crippled while wearing the shirt we all love so much.

Arsenal aren’t a charity, but if all employers took the same approach to their employee health and well-being, especially those who have been injured on the job, this world would be a significantly nicer place to live in.