France's Didier Deschamps hits back at Arsenal's Arsene Wenger in Abou Diaby row

Abou Diaby: Arsene Wenger was concerned the midfielder would struggle with extra matches and training with France

Didier Deschamps has responded to accusations from Arsene Wenger that Abou Diaby's most recent injury was caused by France's insistence on rushing the midfielder.

Arsenal boss Wenger had criticised the French Football Federation for selecting Diaby in his squad for the World Cup double-header against Finland and Belarus earlier in September.

The injury-plagued 26-year-old started and scored in the win over Finland and was an unused substitute against Belarus.

But Frenchman Wenger was concerned the additional fixtures and training were too much for Diaby and felt his anxiety was justified after the player suffered a thigh problem against Chelsea which has ruled him out for three weeks.

Deschamps is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror: "I want to remind him that I am the only one to decide who will be picked and how long those who are picked will play.

"There is only one to decide and it's me."