Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has declared that his increased involvement this season is down to him learning to manage his body properly.

Despite missing three months of the current campaign Diaby has been a more regular feature than in previous seasons at the Emirates, making 15 appearances in all competitions.

The French international has insisted that he can only see positives for his long-term future in the game thanks to effective diet and recovery regimes.

He told the club's official website: "I am very happy to have made this number of starts.

"I got injured for three months, which is a large part of the season, but even so I have still made 14 starts, which is really good. We also have nine games to go, so I will get to 16 or 17 or more, which is good. I have tried to look after myself a lot this season by having good treatment, a good recovery [period] and all the things that make a player better.

"I have improved my diet a lot, my lifestyle has always been OK because I don't go out too much and have always been a guy who stays at home and rests. I do all the exercises I need to improve my strength and my muscle weaknesses. I am still young and I know that I have many years left at the top level. I just need to look after myself every day and everything will be OK."

The 26-year-old started Arsenal's last Premier League match as they recorded a 2-0 victory at Swansea City.