Relief For Arsenal As Olivier Giroud Declares Himself Fit To Face Marseille

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Prolific Frenchman had been in doubt for the trip to the Velodrome.

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In-form Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has played down fears that he could miss this week’s crucial UEFA Champions League group-stage opener with Olympique de Marseille, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

The France international went down clutching his leg in the closing stages of Saturday’s impressive 3-1 Premier League win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with the striker having to be substituted by head coach Arsene Wenger.

And the last thing that the Frenchman needed was another injury to one of his forward players ahead of Wednesday’s trip to the Stade Velodrome in the South of France, with Wenger already without the likes of Germany international Lukas Podolski and England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with long-term injuries.

Meanwhile, the north London club also lost the services of key Spaniard Santi Cazorla on Saturday, after the attacking midfield player suffered an ankle injury in the north east that has ruled the 28-year-old out until after next month’s international break.

However, there was at least some positive news on the injury front for Wenger after Giroud pronounced himself fit to return to his homeland and attempt to continue his recent rich vein of form in front of goal so far this season.

“It is not bad actually, not as bad as I first feared. I got a kick earlier in the game but no-one was near me when I did it this time,” said Giroud.

“I tried to connect with the ball a little bit too early and I caught my foot in the grass. I twisted my ankle but fortunately,  it is nothing major.

“I am OK, sure I will be fine [for Marseille].”

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