Arsene Wenger insists that Olivier Giroud is "a regular player" for Arsenal, and not a "plan B".
Giroud has featured sparsely this season under Wenger, the striker having enjoyed a longer break than usual after helping France to the Euro 2016 final in the summer.
He is yet to make a Premier League start after suffering a toe injury in the Champions League in September, but has returned to full fitness.
The Frenchman made his first appearance in over a month against Reading in the EFL Cup, and has followed that up with three goals in two games as a substitute against Sunderland and Ludogorets.
Alexis Sanchez has starred as a nominal centre-forward for the Gunners in his absence, but Wenger insists Giroud will have regular playing opportunities.
"There is no plan B in any squad, I never thought about my players like that," Wenger said.
"The team who is the most effective for the next game, that's what you pick and I consider everyone as a regular player. That is basically what a manager thinks, what is [best] for the next game.
"If he is involved in the next game in your mind, he plays. If not then he doesn't start. He has shown he is a huge asset for the club and I have always supported him."
No comments:
Post a Comment