Arsenal Star A Doubt For Spurs Clash After Suffering Injury On International Duty

Arsenal star Olivier Giroud is an early doubt for the North London Derby after suffering a thigh injury during France’s 2-0 win over Wales last night, according to the Metro.

Giroud started up front for Les Blues during Friday’s friendly in Paris and scored a well taken goal midway through the second half to secure a 2-0 win after Antoine Griezmann had given the hosts the lead.

However, the Arsenal hitman was substituted just two minutes after scoring and was seen with heavy bandaging wrapped around his thigh and holding an icepack to his leg while sitting on the bench.

The Metro are citing a report from L’Equipe that claims Giroud had actually sustained the injury during the pre-match warm up and the striker has revealed he had to take anti-inflammatories in order to play last night.

The Gunners star has also confirmed that he picked up a knock and is a doubt for France’s friendly with Germany on Tuesday night. Giroud is quoted as saying by the Metro:

‘It will be difficult [to play against Germany],’

‘It’s a small muscular problem. I put on a strap and took one or two anti-inflammatories and it allowed me to play [against Wales]. I cannot tell you more for Tuesday at the moment.’

The news will come as a concern to Arsene Wenger and I’m sure the Arsenal boss won’t be too impressed that Giroud was risked during a friendly game while carrying a knock.

The 31-year-old is now expected to undergo further tests to determine the full extent of the injury but Giroud must now be considered a doubt for Arsenal’s huge North London Derby with Tottenham next Saturday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side head to the Emirates on November 18 sitting three places and four points above Arsenal in the table so Wenger will be desperate to close the gap with a positive result at the Emirates.

Giroud may have lost his place to Alexandre Lacazette this season but the Frenchman is still a hugely important player to have off the bench so I’m sure Wenger will be praying he’s available next weekend.