Wenger’s Injury Update: Ozil & Giroud Could Miss Marseille, Mertesacker Returns

Arsenal get their 2013/14 Champions League campaign under way with a tricky trip to France to take on Marseille on Wednesday night.

The Gunners warmed up for the game with an impressive 3-1 win away at Sunderland on Saturday but it appeared the victory had come at a cost when in-form striker Olivier Giroud was forced to leave the field in the dying minutes receiving treatment on an apparent knee injury.

Giroud seemed to ease fears over hit fitness when he Tweeted on Saturday night to say his knee was OK and he was quoted in the Daily Mail on Monday morning as saying he would be fit to face Marseille this Wednesday:

‘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.

‘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].’

However, speaking to Arsenal.com ahead of the game, boss Arsene Wenger claims the striker is still a major doubt and he will face a late fitness test before his involvement is determined. Should Giroud be ruled out, Wenger hinted he may use winger Theo Walcott through the middle.

There is some good injury news for Arsenal with Per Mertesacker returning after a bout of sickness but new star signing Mesut Ozil will also face a late test after suffering from tight muscles following his debut against the Black Cats at the weekend but Wenger is hopeful he will be fit to play.

Here’s what Wenger told the clubs official website:

on Olivier Giroud….

We have a few problems. Some with Ozil but the main one is Giroud, who has a knee problem. He will have a test tomorrow and hopefully he will be fit. But it will only be decided tomorrow.

on options up front if Giroud is ruled out…

I have not really thought about it that much but the obvious solution is Walcott. We’ll see.

on Per Mertesacker…

There is good news. Mertesacker will be available again after illness.

on Mesut Ozil…

He was ill and has some tight muscles after Saturday. But I think he will be OK. We are optimistic.

Arsenal will be hoping to get off to a positive start against Marseille as they face a tough task to finish in the top two of a group that also includes Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, so Giroud and Ozil will be important if they are to take anything away on Wednesday.

What would be your preferred starting line-up? Share your views below.