Abou Diaby could play in France s World Cup play-off against Ireland on Saturday - despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sclaim that he would be sidelined until the end of November. The French midfielder limped out of Arsenal s 4-1 win at Wolves on Saturd

Abou Diaby could play in France's World Cup play-off against Ireland on Saturday - despite Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger'sclaim that he would be sidelined until the end of November.

The French midfielder limped out of Arsenal's 4-1 win at Wolves on Saturday after just 23 minutes with a calf strain but after meeting up with the French national squad this week he may have made a surprise recovery.

Wenger had told French channel TF1 on Sunday Diaby was out for three weeks. Instead, he has been pencilled in for the first leg at Croke Park by France coach Raymond Domenech.

The two sides meet again four days later in Paris.

"The tests he underwent were satisfactory. He still needs treatment but he is not out of the playoff - he is staying with us," French federation spokesperson Francois Manardo said.

Meanwhile, striker Eduardo - whose Croatia side just missed out on the play offs - has been talking up the Gunners' title hopes this week.

"At the moment we are improving a lot and feel stronger mentally - the atmosphere inside the squad is good, we are very together," he said.

"We are doing very well at the moment and I hope we can produce a big surprise this year.

"I am feeling good. At the beginning of the season I had a few injury niggles, but I am okay now and ready to help the team rise to the top of the table, as well as progressing in the Champions League.