Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has begun his latest comeback in a desperate attempt to save his Arsenal career.

Jinxed Diaby started running last week and is hopeful he is now on the long road to recovery after his latest heartbreaking injury.

French midfielder Diaby, cursed by knocks throughout his career, had to undergo further surgery last month after a setback in his recovery from cruciate knee ligament damage.

Diaby, whose contract at the Gunners expires in 2015, is determined to get back on the pitch and manager Arsene Wenger has consistently backed him.

Wenger believes the 27-year-old could return to action in March, although running is only the first step on his long comeback.

Meanwhile, Wenger is hoping forward Lukas Podolski - who resumed training with the first team this week following an August hamstring injury - could return before Christmas.

Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) is hoping to train properly in mid-December and be back for the New Year.