VIDEO: Abou Diaby makes long awaited return vs. Rennes

One of the most peculiar matches of the Ligue 1 season was capped off Friday with an appearance from an oft-injured Abou Diaby, who subbed on for Marseille in the 78th minute of a drubbing at the hands of Rennes.

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Diaby's story has been one of injury, return, repeat - trumping each ailment with the next in hopes of regaining the form he exhibited at Arsenal.

Friday was Diaby's first spell in a senior match since making one substitute appearance for the Gunners during the 2013-14 campaign.

Despite the good news surrounding Diaby's health, the 5-2 defeat is the latest disappointment in a dismal season for Marseille, who hasn't won a match at the Stade Velodrome in six months.