LONDON: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (pictured) will miss today’s Champions League play-off second leg against Besiktas with an ankle injury, manager Arsene Wenger said.
Giroud, 27, was hurt late in his side’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton on Saturday, with media reports suggesting the France forward could be out for up to three months.
Wenger said he would definitely not play against Besiktas at the Emirates Stadium, with an assessment by a specialist the same day likely to shed light on how long he may be out.
“Olivier will not play against Besiktas and will see a specialist, then we’ll make an announcement of how long he’ll be out,” Wenger told reporters yesterday.
“It can be (a long term injury). We’ll see tomorrow. I don’t know (if it’s broken). It’s sad for us but we are focused on the game.”
The first leg finished 0-0.
Theo Walcott is still returning to full fitness after a long layoff and Wenger said he was yet to give thought as to whether he would delve into the transfer market should Giroud, who was hurt shortly after scoring Arsenal’s 90th minute equaliser at Goodison Park, be a long-term absentee. Victory over would see Arsenal reach the Champions League group stage for the 17th straight season.
REUTERS
