Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits this preseason will be crucial for midfielder Abou Diaby.

After being restricted to just two first-team appearances last term due to persistent injury problems, Diaby now has a chance to demonstrate his readiness for the 2012/13 campaign.

"You can't imagine how happy I am firstly to have him in the squad, because he is an exceptional player," Wenger told arsenal.com. "I am cautious but confident because he had two hard weeks and came through it well.

"This tour is another decider for him. He will play on Tuesday night and now it is down to uncontrolled movement in games: how does your body react to that? I am confident with what I have seen in training that he will do it.

"He is the first player who would be on the France teamsheet in midfield when he is fit. Laurent Blanc said that before the European Championship and he waited a very long time to know if he could play or not. But he couldn't."