Diaby out of World Cup play-off

Midfielder Abou Diaby will not be fit to play for France in their World Cup playoff against Republic of Ireland next week, according to Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.

French television show Telefoot quoted Wenger as saying Diaby would be sidelined for three weeks because of a calf injury.

Diaby was replaced after 23 minutes in Arsenal's 4-1 win at Wolverhampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

France travel to Ireland next Saturday and will be at home against Giovanni Trapattoni's side the following Wednesday.