Giroud’s swift recovery adds options to Arsene’s armoury
The France international has recovered quicker than expected from a fractured leg suffered when challenging for the ball in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw against Everton on August 23.
Wenger revealed Giroud could even be involved in tomorrow’s Premier League game against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, although the trip to West Brom on November 29 looks a more realistic target.
The Gunners boss is confident when he and fellow forward Theo Walcott are fully match fit, the Arsenal squad will have even more firepower at their disposal to add to the impressive form of summer signing Alexis Sanchez and former United frontman Danny Welbeck.
“Giroud and (Mikel) Arteta are both available. It is just a question of how ready they are, but they are available,” said Wenger.
“He (Giroud) is three or four weeks ahead of schedule. Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year, so he is one month ahead.”
Wenger added: “Yes (we relied on Welbeck), and on Sanchez as well, but we have Giroud back, we have Walcott back. Slowly they will integrate into the team again and give us different options.”
German playmaker Mesut Ozil, though, is not expected to be “ready before the start of 2015”, according to Wenger as he continues recover from a knee problem.
The Gunners’ treatment room could soon be somewhat sparse with defenders Laurent Koscielny, who has been troubled by a niggling Achilles injury, and Matheiu Debuchy, out since August with ankle ligament damage, stepping up their rehabilitation.
“Koscielny and Debuchy are doing well. We have to see now,” said the Arsenal boss. “Usually field work is three weeks away from full group training, then there is fitness.
“It looks straightforward for Debuchy. It’s not inflammation, it’s just repairing surgery.
“For Koscielny, it depends how well he responds to training. At the moment he looks good.”
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