Olivier Giroud is expected to return to training earlier than other the Gunners currently on international duty after he withdrew from the French training camp in Cologne over the weekend and Arsene Wenger will be hoping that Giroud will be able to recover in time for the North London derby on Saturday against Tottenham. The 31-year-old scored the second goal in France’s 2-0 win over Wales on Friday and became the seventh highest goal scorer for France with 29 goals in 69 appearances before being substituted with a knock.

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A tweet from Sky Sports confirmed Giroud’s withdrawal:

“Olivier Giroud returning to Arsenal from France squad after suffering thigh strain in win over Wales on Friday.”

Giroud has not started a league game for Arsenal this season but has had an impact when he has come on as sub, most notably the opening game of the season against Leicester City when he scored the winner in the topsy turvy 3-2 win.

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Giroud also scored the winner for Arsenal in the Europa league game against Red Star Belgrade with an incredible overhead kick and will be hoping to get his first start of the season against Tottenham on Saturday.