Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has revealed that he harbours a "dream" to recover from injury in time to earn a place in France's World Cup squad in the summer.

The 27-year-old has been out of action for the Gunners since March, before suffering a setback in his return to fitness by aggravating his knee ligaments in October.

However, Diaby, who played for Les Blues in the 2010 edition of the tournament, is optimistic that he can return to first-team duties for the Gunners by spring, and believes a call-up by Didier Deschamps is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Speaking to L'Equipe, the midfielder said: "If I would be a surprise call-up for the 2014 World Cup squad, then why not?

"Playing in Brazil is obviously a dream, but first I would like to be back playing with my club no later than the end of February or early March.

"At the moment, I am in Clairefontaine working on my rehabilitation and I hope to touch the ball again very soon. Anyway, I will take my time getting back to full fitness."

Diaby has earned 16 caps for his nation, scoring once.