Arsenal
Arsenal Team News: Wenger Confirms Double Fitness Boost Ahead Of PSG
Arsene Wenger has revealed a double injury boost ahead of our Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Prince on Tuesday night.
Arsenal will look to start their Champions League campaign on a positive note when they take on Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Prince on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, Arsene Wenger has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this evening and he’s given Arsenal.com an update on the fitness of Laurent Koscielny.
The 31-year-old has been a doubt for the game after suffering an eye injury when Jose Fonte caught him in the face with his boot during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Southampton.
Wenger revealed after the game that Koscielny’s eye was badly swollen but the injury appears to have healed well as the centre-back was able to train on Monday and travel to Paris with the rest of the squad later in the day.
The boss has now confirmed that any fears over Koscielny’s available have been eased meaning he’s fit to face PSG on Tuesday night. Arsene told the clubs website:
“He’s alright. He had a big knock on his face [after the Southampton game] but recovered quite well. I was concerned after the game that he wouldn’t be available, but he’s alright.”
In a double boost, Wenger also confirmed to reporters that Olivier Giroud is now close to full fitness and could make his first start of the new season against PSG.
Giroud returned late to pre-season training after being given an extended break following his participation at Euro 2016 and has taken his time getting back to full match fitness.
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However, while Wenger refused to give away his team selection for our Champions League opener, he did reveal that Giroud is now in contention to spearhead the attack up front.
When asked if the Frenchman would start, Wenger is quoted as saying by the Mirror:
“I have not decided that. The players do not know the team. I have 24 hours. Is he [Giroud] ready to start? He is close.”
Giroud came off the bench against Southampton at the weekend and I fully expect him to replace Lucas Perez to start against the French champions tomorrow night.
