French star Olivier Giroud ready for Arsenal return
Arsenal's French defender Laurent Koscielny (second left) celebrates with striker Olivier Giroud (left) after he scored his team's opening goal during their EPL against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, on April 28, 2014. Giroud is fit to face Manchester United in the Premier League on November 22, 2014. PHOTO | BEN STANSALL |
What you need to know:
- The France international, 28, was provisionally ruled out until next year after breaking his leg against Everton in August, but he is now ready to return.
- German playmaker Mesut Ozil (knee) and back-up goalkeeper David Ospina (thigh) remain long-term absentees.
LONDON
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is fit to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday after recovering from a broken leg, manager Arsene Wenger announced on Thursday.
The France international, 28, was provisionally ruled out until next year after breaking his leg against Everton in August, but he is now ready to return.
"He is three or four weeks ahead of schedule," manager Arsene Wenger told the club website. "Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year. So he's one month ahead."
Mikel Arteta has also returned to fitness after a hamstring problem, but Wenger said that Laurent Koscielny (Achilles) and Mathieu Debuchy (ankle) were both around "three weeks away from full group training".
German playmaker Mesut Ozil (knee) and back-up goalkeeper David Ospina (thigh) remain long-term absentees.
