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| time to return ... |
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that striker Olivier Giroud is fit to face Manchester United on Saturday.
Giroud has been out of action since breaking his foot in a 2-2 draw with Everton in August but has returned to fitness ahead of schedule.
The Gunners take on Louis van Gaal’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday but Wenger has refused to confirm if he will feature against the Red Devils.
“[Olivier] Giroud and [Mikel] Arteta are both available. It's just a question of how ready they are. But they are available,” he told reporters.
“He is three or four weeks ahead of schedule. Originally we planned to have him back for competition at the beginning of next year. So he's one month ahead.”
However, Arsenal still have injury concerns going into the game, particularly in defence as they aim to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City last time out.
“[Laurent] Koscielny and [Mathieu] Debuchy are doing well, they are out on the field [working] again,” added Wenger.
“We have to see now. Usually field work is three weeks away from full group training. Then there is fitness.
“It looks straightforward for Debuchy. It's not inflammation, it's just repairing surgery. For Koscielny, it depends how well he responds to training.
"At the moment he looks good. Ozil is doing well but he will not be ready before the start of 2015.”
