Arsene Wenger has hinted Abou Diaby could yet be offered a new deal after making a surprise return for Arsenal’s reserves earlier this week.
The 28-year-old played 45 minutes in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Brentford but has not featured for the first team since September’s Capital One Cup defeat at home to Southampton.
Diaby’s career has been plagued by injury and Wenger had previously claimed a decision would be taken in March over whether he would be offered an extension with his current deal set to expire in June.
The situation had looked bleak given Diaby’s inability to consistently prove himself fit enough for the rigours of regular action but Wenger said: “I had a chat with him and told him how I can envisage the future. He has to make a decision.
“Of course he understands completely that he has to perform and to show that he can be present on a consistent way. I will see where we go from there. I wouldn't like to go into details, we have to meet again to see where we go from what I told him. It has to be linked a little bit with his presence.”