Wenger wants ‘justice’ for Diaby

ARSENE WENGER intends to take legal advice as the Arsenal manager seeks “justice” for midfielder Abou Diaby, who is facing up to nine months out of the game following a horror tackle by Sunderland defender Dan Smith.

Diaby, 19, will now miss the Champions League final against Barcelona on May 17 after a dangerous lunge by Smith left him with a fractured and dislocated ankle. The Gunners camp were incensed by the rash nature of the challenge, which happened with Arsenal 3-0 up at the Stadium of Light with only a minute left on the clock.

Referee Dermot Gallagher showed teenager Smith — in only his fourth appearance for the Black Cats — just a yellow card, while Sunderland caretaker boss Kevin Ball maintains his defender is “not a malicious, dirty player”.

Wenger, though, called for the FA to make an example of the 19-year-old and insisted he did not view the matter as closed. The Arsenal boss claimed: “Having watched it again, I just feel I will not leave the case there.”

Full-back Ashley Cole will start against Manchester City tonight after coming on at the Stadium of Light.

Gael Clichy is rested, along with Dennis Bergkamp, but Alexander Hleb, Gilberto, Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Antonio Reyes return to the squad.

Emmanuel Adebayor (sinus infection) is out, along with Mathieu Flamini (hamstring), Theo Walcott and Philippe Senderos (both knee). Lauren (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Meanwhile, Stuart Pearce admitted Thierry Henry forced him into retirement.

The Manchester City boss has nothing but admiration for the brilliant Frenchman, whom he rates one of the best players in the world.

Pearce had the opportunity to play against Henry during the latter stages of his career, suffering the same chastening experience as many other defenders have done in trying to stop the Arsenal captain.

And, after City were promoted back to the Premiership in 1992, it was the prospect of having to face Henry again which prompted the then 40-year-old Pearce to finally accept his playing days were over.

“He is a sensational player. That is why it is very important for Arsenal to hang on to him. He makes the side tick and he is one player everyone in the Premiership would like in their side.”

Kiki Musampa is unlikely to play for the hosts after suffering a bout of sickness, while £6m striker Georgios Samaras could earn a recall after impressing as a substitute in last weekend’s home defeat to Fulham.