Abou Diaby left Arsenal in the summer for Olympique Marseille, but is yet to appear for the first team.

The midfielder didn’t even make the Marseille bench until November, but picked up another injury before making his debut.

Things looked better again in February, but Diaby was on the bench just once before suffering another setback. Now, at last, he has played for the reserves and is closer to a first team debut.

After 18 horrific months, the former Arsenal man played 64 minutes for the Marseille second string. According to L’Equipe he played at the base of the midfield and looked good on the ball, strong in challenges and as sharp as you could expect a player to look after so long out.

CFA – OM 3-1 Marignane : le résumé vidéo by olympiquedemarseille

Check out the lovely skill on 22 seconds, hopefully this enormous 29-year-old talent can start showing his ability again at last.