Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby may face the wrath of Gunners fans after bizarrely admitting he occasionally wears the shirt of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur around the house.

The shirt was given to him by Spurs defender and fellow Frenchman Younes Kaboul and Diaby admits he would be unwise to wear it on the street given the obvious rivalry.

He told The Sun: "It is more difficult to wear it in the street - there you are not safe."

Diaby spoke of his friendship with Kaboul and said he would love to play alongside his friend at club level one day.

Abou Diaby and Robin van Persie were seen having a heated exchange in the dressing room after Arsenal's victory over Blackpool.

The Gunners had taken a two-goal lead at the end of the first half, when Diaby - who had scored the opener - was booked for kicking the ball away after the whistle had been blown.

And The Mirror reports that Van Persie was angry with his team-mate, and the pair had to be pulled apart by other players during half-time.

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has openly spoken about the various aspects of his footballing career including the start-up. Yet to secure a regular place in Arsene Wenger’s starting line-up, the Frenchman joined Arsenal after reportedly turning down an offer from Chelsea as he told Arsenal TV Online that he was impressed by the quality of the pitch at Highbury, by him described as unbelievable, as well as how close and important supporters were at Arsenal’s old home.

Arsenal's Abou Diaby is willing to play in either Barcelona or Real Madrid.The French star was speaking to Don Balon about the prospect of facing Barcelona in next week’s Champions League last 16 tie, and said that he would eventually like to compete for a place at one of Spain’s big two.

He stated: “At some point I would like to play for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but I would prefer to play for Barca, because I prefer their style.”

Abou Diaby also stated, however, that he is desperate to exact revenge on the Camp Nou giants for last year’s quarter-final defeat.

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has said that he is ready to return from injury very soon. The 24-year-old France international suffered a calf injury in the 2-2 draw with Wigan on 29th December but believes he should be able to resume full training this week.

After earlier missing nine weeks with an ankle problem, Diaby has only made nine appearances for the Gunners this season and he cannot wait to get back involved.

He is targeting a return either in the Premier League clash with Wigan on Saturday or next week against Ipswich in the Carling Cup or Huddersfield in the FA Cup.

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has been forced to miss the Carling cup semi-final against Ipswich town due to injury. Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal, while centre-half Laurent Koscielny is expected to return having been rested for the FA Cup third-round draw against Leeds, as could striker Robin van Persie and England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Aaron Ramsey is in contention to start, and reserve-team captain Ignasi Miquel should again be in the squad as defensive cover.

Arsenal has received a major fitness boost with the news that Abou Diaby has recovered from his injury. Arsene Wenger's side surrendered their place at the top of the Premier League on Monday night with their 1-0 defeat to new league leaders Manchester United and the Gunners will be desperate for a win against Stoke City to keep their title ambitions on track.

Abou Diaby has been out with for two months with an ankle injury and has not featured since his side's 2-1 win over Birmingham in October.

Abou Diaby could face Man Utd on Monday according to Arsene Wenger. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, the Frenchman explained the Spaniard practiced during the day but has only a small chance of featuring next week. Knowing the injury history of the 23-year old and how he suffered a setback whenever rushed back into action, it is very unlikely for the manager to risk one of his most important players.

Wenger has said that he is hopeful that Abou Diaby will return sooner from the injury. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since October 16 with a niggling ankle problem after failing to fully recover from the effects of a crunching challenge by Bolton defender Paul Robinson the previous month.

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has said that he is relieved to know that his injury is not serious. The France international sustained the problem in his team's 4-1 win over Bolton on Saturday, but scans revealed the damage is not as serious as first thought.

Abou Diaby, who was victim of a strong challenge from Trotters full-back Paul Robinson, will definitely miss the Gunners' opening UEFA Champions League group game against Braga at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.