Frustrated Diaby is ready to walk out on Arsenal

Abou Diaby has revealed he will think about leaving Arsenal if he fails to secure a regular starting spot.

The 21-year-old midfielder has been demoted from the senior France squad to the Under-21s and will consider a summer exit if his situation at club level does not change.

"This time I've not been called up by France and I do not play that much for Arsenal," said Diaby. "I need playing time. I thought I would continue to play after I scored [against Derby] but it did not happen.

"I remain patient and do not give up because I know my chance will come. The situation is like this today but it can change tomorrow. The players that are on the pitch are not automatically better than those who are on the bench, but they do their job very well. The season is long so I do not plan a move yet.

Maybe later if it continues, but not in January.

"I am not playing but I do not think it will last until the end of the season."

Arsenal have high hopes of reaching the last four of the UEFA Women's Cup after a 0-0 draw at Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final last night.

In front of a crowd of 5,000, Arsenal's Kelly Smith hit the bar from long range while Jayne Ludlow had a header cleared off the line.

The second leg is next Wednesday at Boreham Wood FC.