Diaby: France's matchwinner

Diaby played just five times for Arsenal last season due to a string of injuries, including a calf problem and a broken ankle, but has started the Gunners' first three games this term.

That was enough to persuade Deschamps to pitch him straight into World Cup qualifying action and the 26-year-old repaid his faith by converting Karim Benzema's pass as Les Bleus opened their Group I campaign with a 1-0 win in Helsinki on Friday night.

And the coach, for whom it was a first competitive game in charge after succeeding Laurent Blanc, said of Diaby: "He is a boy with a lot of qualities, but I knew that. He is a complete midfielder."

Diaby hopes he is now over his injury problems as he has looks to establish himself in France's side.

"It was a good return, I was pleased. I hope this will be the real return," Diaby told L'Equipe.

"I believe we have a very good team. Nowadays I know people rely on me. I hope to match expectations.

"I have worked a lot. I hope that match is a sign of fate and it will be a good year without injury."